New Monument Honors Air Mail Pilots The Exploits of Wild Bill

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF POSTMASTERS OF THE UNITED STATES, PENNSYLVANIA CHAPTER

www.pa-napus.org



VOLUME 51 NUMBER 10 Stephen Kochersperger, Editor NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2005





New Monument Honors Air Mail Pilots

The Centre County town of bearings, and estimating wind drift.

Bellefonte (16823) has a prominent Other issues, like Centre County’s

place in postal history. From 1919 to unpredictable weather, fog, and high

1927 Bellefonte was a major refueling winds, made flying across the

stop for mail traveling from New York Alleghenies treacherous. More fatal

to Chicago. Flying the fog-shrouded accidents occurred in this area than

ridges of the Allegheny Mountains in along any other part of the transconti-

one of the early biplanes with the nental route.

most primitive of navigational equip- A memorial to these airmail pio-

ment (one pilot famously used a half- neers was dedicated on May 15, 2005

empty whiskey bottle strapped to the at the Bellefonte headquarters of the

dash to tell when his wings were American Philatelic Society. The date

level) was a feat of incredible daring marked the 87th anniversary of the

and skill – six pilots would lose their first regular airmail service in the

lives flying what was popularly United States.

known as the “Hell Stretch.” The 2800-pound, 9-foot granite slab

Pilots had to fly by dead reckoning bears an inscription honoring the 34

– timing the distance flown by watch men who lost their lives flying the

and estimated speed, using compass continued on page 4





The Exploits of “Wild Bill” Hopson

from www.usps.com

This photograph of Air Mail Bellefonte Was Air

Pilot William C. Hopson is a

classic and probably was

Mail’s First Stop

taken in 1924 to show the by Mike Newcomer

winter flight suit of the Post The transcontinental airmail route was laid

Office Department’s air mail out from Long Island, New York to San

pilots. Hopson himself was Francisco, California. The main route was bro-

unimpressed with his photo- ken into segments and worked like the pony

genic charm. When he had to express or a fireman’s “bucket brigade.” The

submit a photograph to the route passed over every kind of terrain in the

Air Mail Service of the country including the snow covered Rocky

Department for official

Mountains.

records, he wrote “Enclosed

The deadliest route was the Long Island to

please find photo of bum

pilot… When finished with Cleveland flight with a refueling stopover at

picture just post in cellar, it’s Bellefonte, Pennsylvania. The danger was due

guaranteed to keep away all to the unpredictable weather patterns and

rats, mice and other vermin.” changing winds of the Allegheny Mountains.

Hopson already had logged This mountain range contributed to the high

741 hours of flight time when rate of accidents and deaths and became

he joined the Post Office known to the pilots as “The Hell Stretch.”

Department on April 14, 1920, It was practically a toss-up. The towns of

as a pilot. He was born in Hill Lock Haven and Bellefonte were under con-

continued on page 5 continued on page 4

Who to call when you need help…

PA NAPUS DISTRICT COMMITTEES

PITTSBURGH DISTRICT

• MENTORING TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT (MTD): Don Gobbel, Mt. Pleasant, PA 15666

(724)547-3409

• LEGISLATION Co-Chair: Linda Beehner (Retired) (412)547-0407

EDITORIAL STAFF

• MEMBERSHIP Co-Chair: Carol Lawther, Ardara, PA 15615 (724)863-6790 ANTHONY L. IEZZI, Photographer

• POSTMASTER REP: Don Gobbel, Mt. Pleasant, PA 15666 (724)547-3409 Bechtelsville, PA 19505-9998

610-369-1904

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ERIE DISTRICT

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. Editorial Intern

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• POSTMASTER REP: William Cadugan, Swiftwater, PA 18370 (570)839-8317; PaRegister@adelphia.net

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STATEWIDE COMMITTEES AND OFFICES www.pa-napus.org

SERVICE REP: Teri Thomas, Torrance PA 15779 (724) 459-8409 The views expressed in this publication are the opinions of the

POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE: writer and not necessarily the opinion or the position of the

National Association of Postmasters of the United States.

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• Co-Chair: Jim Wilson (Retired) 124 Broadlawn Drive; New Kensington, PA 15068 Address Corrections

(724) 339-7982 Please send address corrections complete with

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DIRECTORY CHAPTER OFFICERS issues is the 5th of the preceeding month.

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Pennsylvania Register 2 November/December 2005

Letters to the Editor Remembering 911

I arrived three days earlier in Warsaw,

Poland for a combination of business,

Dear the NAPUS family:

pleasure, and genealogical research. I

It is with deep regret that I have given up my position as NAPUS District was on the 26th floor of the Finance

XV Vice President. I have served in this position for over 3 years and

Building in the reception area, waiting to

have been proud to have played a small role in NAPUS leadership and

membership. speak to a friend who was familiar with

As you may have heard, my husband and I were in a serious, head-on colli- various financial aspects of business. A

sion on October 7, 2005. An inexperienced 16 year old girl crossed the center young gentleman came from the back

line and struck our car on a rainy evening. Fortunately, none of our injuries office and told Agnes, the receptionist

were life threatening, but it has been a life-altering experience. In the course [in Polish], that a plane had hit a build-

of a few moments, my world was thrown upside down. The downstairs por- ing in NYC. I passed it off as an accident.

tion of our home was turned into a “medical unit” with a hospital bed, walk- A few minutes later, he returned and

ers, crutches, commode, etc. No longer will I take for granted the ability to run related that a second plane hit. I became

upstairs for an item of clothing. I look forward to the day when I can give up curious and approached the receptionist

my sponge baths and actually climb the stairs and get a real shower! That is and asked her what was going on. She

probably at least 8 weeks away. The grandkids say we look like “Barney”– knew I was an American and said that I

purple from head to toe! Our seat belts and air bags saved our lives. could go down to the 7th floor, where

It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as a District Vice President. I’m their training/fitness room was, to watch

sure my replacement will continue to promote the growth of NAPUS member- it on TV. They had Reuters, BBC, and

ship. My NAPUS family has been an important part of my career as a Polish TV. The trainer opened the door

Postmaster and always will be. I hope to be healthy and ready for next year’s and handed me a remote.

Convention in June. Please express my thanks to everyone for their concern, They were showing almost identical

prayers, cards, and get-well wishes. It means so much to know that so many scenes on each network. I am fluent in

people truly care! Polish and the announcer was not saying

Sue Cromwell anything more then what was being said

on BBC or Reuters. But then, Reuters

Dear Mr. Kochersperger, announced that a plane was down in

I am writing in response to the article written by Postmaster Tracy Hallman Pittsburgh. I stayed on that network for

in your September issue regarding training. He was so right-on about the lack about 15-20 minutes. He never said any-

of proper training from the District on the use of the newly installed thing more about the Pittsburgh plane.

computers.

My daughter Ann works at Carnegie

I recently received mine at my Level 11 Post Office. I inquired with the

man who installed it and he just said, “Read the Users Guide Book.” So, I just Mellon University and I was a little con-

assumed that was my “proper training.” The District offers training for every cerned. I thanked the trainer and went

little thing that comes down the pike, but not on something as major as this! back upstairs. I asked Agnes if it would

This is a big change for us and especially for me, as I do not own a personal be possible to call my son-in-law, Mike

computer at home. Even if I did, I would expect some kind of classroom or in Pittsburgh. She handed me the phone

hands-on training at my office. How can the District send you to 4 to 8 hours and I was able to speak to him. He told

of telephone etiquette training and totally overlook computer training is me that Ann was going to have a hard

beyond me. I shouldn’t have to rely on my own initiative and the generosity of time getting home because the bridges

other Postmasters to help me learn about computers. No other major company and tunnels are closed. The plane had

would expect their employees to just “read the book.” So, I back up Tracy gone down about 30 miles from their

100%. house. Thank God for little favors!

David Seneca I was able to conclude my business

Postmaster, Forest Grove 18922 and returned to my cousin’s house on

the edge of Warsaw. I was treated to a

Hey everyone, nice Polish dinner including some good

I’ve been blessed by surviving another hurricane. I live far enough from the Polish Vodka. It was now 6 p.m. Warsaw

coast that I didn’t get any of the tidal surges that affected almost the entire time and high noon in NYC. We watched

Louisiana coast. Just 12 miles down the road from me, there were homes world and national news on TV. They

under water and another 10 miles, the entire town was flooded. We had sus- were showing LOT (Polish airlines)

tained winds of about 70 mph with higher gusts and a lot of rain. There was planes returning to Chopin Airport and

no damage to my home or office and I was only out of power for a couple of passengers disembarking confused as to

days. why they had returned. They had left

I heard from Kathy, Ralph, and Claire and they are all fine. I haven’t heard earlier in the day for NYC, Newark, and

from all of our area Postmasters yet, but I’m not hearing of any casualties, so Chicago. American air space had been

I’m hopeful of their safety. There are several offices that I know will no longer

closed while they were beginning to

be there. This will be another challenge for our state and the Louisiana

District. cross the Atlantic! They also showed the

Did anyone else out there get bad weather or the tornadoes from Rita? I hear American Embassy with fully armed sol-

she made a path across many states with much damage. I hope everyone is diers in battle gear, walking around in

well. God bless. front of the grounds. Floral wreaths were

Karen Bourque Boudreaux hanging on the fence and candles were

cajunpostmaster@cox.net continued on page 13



Pennsylvania Register 3 November/December 2005

“Max Picks Bellefonte” 20" x 30" Watercolor

On September 20, 1918, Max Miller, flying a white Standard JR-

1B mail plane with a mailbag painted on the side landed at

Bellefonte and declared it to be the best choice for an airmail

field. He was greeted by practically the whole town.

“Back in Bellefonte” 30" x 40" Acrylic on Canvas

The people of Bellefonte loved the air mail pilots. Everyone want-

ed them as house guests, gave them dinners and treated them

like rock stars are treated today. In return the pilots would give

impromptu air shows and simply show off for their friends. This

Monument, continued painting is from a story or “legend” if you will, of pilot Slim Lewis.

It is said that Slim once buzzed by the courthouse so close that

mountains around Bellefonte. Paul J. Mulvehill, a former pilot the weathervane spun around!

with a passion for airmail, donated the monument after years

of trying to create a fitting tribute to these valiant young

pilots. Bellefonte Air Mail, continued

“I am tickled to death to see the monument finally dis- sideration by the Post Office Department as refueling

played,” said Mulvehall. “It will tell the public about the brav- stops on the New York to Chicago mail run.

ery of these pioneers.” The year was 1918 – less than one year since the first

The monument includes a replica of the Curtiss Jenny mail flight from Washington D.C to New York and less

biplane, designed by artist Mike Newcomer, whose depictions than 15 years since the first ever powered airplane flight

of early airmail delivery illustrate this issue of the Register. by the Wright Brothers.

Guest speaker for the occasion was Col. Henry W. Hartsfield Veteran pilot Max Miller was selected to make a sur-

Jr. (USAF ret.), former NASA astronaut and himself an APS veillance flight to determine which town would be better

member and long-time stamp collector. He spoke of his own suited for a landing site.

experience learning to fly in the mid-twentieth century, the On September 20, 1918, Miller, flying a white

history of airmail, and of the debt we owe to those who have Standard JR-1B mail plane landed at Bellefonte and

dared to try the unknown. declared it to be the better choice.

An exhibit of text and old photographs titled “Flying the Soon after hangars, shops and offices were constructed

Hell Stretch” told the story of the early days of the Bellefonte and a few pilots made living quarters there.

Air Field. Based on a large collection of Bellefonte air mail The new field put Bellefonte on the map. The pilots

photographs and memorabilia collected by the late Daniel were treated like royalty by the townsfolk and showed

Hines, and donated to the American Philatelic Research their appreciation by giving air shows and other forms of

Library by his nephew Robert Hines, the exhibit featured lively entertainment.

images of the pilots who had died flying to or from Bellefonte In 1919 the wooden hangars burned down and were

and of the numerous, non-fatal local crash landings in fields, replaced by more modern structures. In July 1925 the

rivers, or trees. entire field was moved to Spring Township between Zion

Bellefonte Postmaster Deborah L. Wasylink was an honored and Pleasant Gap, as it was more suited to the new night

guest at the ceremony, while Petersburg Postmaster Connie flying schedule.

Lang manned a temporary philatelic station offering a special

postmark. Knoxville Postmaster Cheryl Edgcombe was on Original illustrations compliments of Mike Newcomer

hand to promote Stamp Camps USA. Aviation Art, PO Box 308 Montandon PA 17850,

To learn more about the American Philatelic Society, please or visit www.airmailart.com

contact the APS at 100 Match Factory Place, Bellefonte, PA

16823; call 814-933-3803; or visit its website at

www.stamps.org. Visitors are always welcome!



See more at http://www.stamps.org/AirMail/index.htm







Pennsylvania Register 4 November/December 2005

“Frost Class Delivery” 24" x 36" Acrylic on Canvas “Spreading the Word” 24" x 30" Acrylic on Canvas

The pilots flew in all weather conditions. winter gear included fur In the early twenties technologies as we know them and take for

lined suits, standard leather helmet and a brown leather face granted today were still in their infancy. The powered airplane was

mask to avoid frostbite. Ernie Allison had to make an emergency barely twenty years old. Trains were the main mode of overland

landing near DuBois, PA and after he made it down, started to transportation and the telephone still had humans as operators.

walk toward a farmhouse for help. Little did he know, the daily A sign painter and his apprentice are seen painting one of the

paper reported that an ape had escaped from the Clearfield Zoo. hundreds of Mail Pouch barns that started showing up all over at

When he knocked on the door an old lady opened it, screamed that time.

bloody murder and ran like an athlete.





Hopson, continued one westward flight, on September 19, Air Transport to fly Contract Air Mail

1925, he flew into a severe storm near Route 17 between New York City and

City, Kansas, on July 5, 1887, but had

Anita, Iowa. An air pocket dropped the Chicago. This was the Allegheny route,

moved to New York City and did his

plane almost to the ground before one of the most difficult because it had

flight training at Hempstead, Long

Hopson regained control, but, by then, so few safe places for emergency land-

Island.

his landing gear and lower wings had ings. Hopson probably flew the route

Early in his career, in 1921, Hopson

harvested about 75 bushels of corn. in a Curtiss Carrier Pigeon until that

won a pilot’s incentive contest spon-

The plane turned over, pinning Hopson plane was replaced by a Douglas M-4.

sored by Otto Praeger, the second assis-

underneath. He burrowed out to find Hopson died in the early hours of

tant postmaster general and a tough

himself surrounded by corn stalks and Thursday, October 18, 1928, when his

taskmaster. Hopson would go on to fly

deluged by rain so he fired his revolver plane crashed into the top of a hill near

more miles than all but two of the 43

into the air to attract the attention of Polk, Pennsylvania, during a bad storm.

pilots in the Air Mail Service by the

the farmer. The official report said: One grateful and famous man, who

time it was discontinued. Hopson flew

“The Pilot was only slightly injured, claimed Hopson had saved his life dur-

413,034 miles, as compared to more

the mail wet in spots, and the plane ing an earlier flight, wrote a tribute to

than 424,000 for the top-ranking pilot,

practically a washout.” On another the pilot that ran in The Times of St.

and logged 4,034 hours in the air.

occasion, the gas tank on Hopson’s Louis, Missouri, on October 20, 1928:

Like many air mail pilots, Hopson

plane dropped out, lodged on the wing,

flew a DeHaviland (the DH-4B), a It was a dark, rainy, cloudy day on

and stayed there until he bucked it off.

British-designed biplane. Its front the New York end of the air mail. No

The vagaries of weather and still

cockpit was transformed into a cargo planes through in two days. I wanted to

primitive instrumentation helped to

hold for mail. The plane could carry get home to my family in California. I

make each air mail trip an adventure.

500 pounds of air mail, had a top speed insisted on going. It wasn’t bravery – it

For their efforts, beginning air mail

of 115 miles per hour, and used a was dumb ignorance, and an unlimited

pilots earned a base salary of $2,000 to

Liberty engine. Although the big- confidence in all air mail pilots.

$2,800 in 1925, depending on how

winged DH-4Bs were considered reli- “We will try to get through if you

much night-flying they did. In addi-

able, they tended to stall and were insist,” Pilot W. Hopson said. And we

tion, pilots earned five to seven cents

difficult to land in a small field got through, clear to Cleveland.

per mile flown; this was doubled for

because of their high landing speeds Thursday he didn’t get through. I

night flight. Pilots had to agree, in writ-

but, in 1920, Hopson wrote that kinder feel like his skill saved my life.

ing, to fly in all kinds of weather when

“D.H.’s…are the only suitable ships So “Hoppie,” Old Boy, here’s hoping you

they applied to work for the Post Office

for mountains in all weather.” are piloting the best cloud the Boss has

Department.

The Department briefly assigned got in his hangar up there, and you

Hopson made his last flight for the

Hopson to work out of air fields in don’t have to worry about low ceiling,

Department on August 27, 1927, and

College Park, Maryland, and Newark, engine missing, head winds, or even

left the service on September 3, 1927,

New Jersey, then sent him west to whether the old rip cord will pull in

two days after contract carriers began

Omaha, Nebraska. For most of his case. –

transporting all air mail. Within a

career, he flew the Omaha-Chicago leg Yours,

week, Hopson was hired by National

of the transcontinental route. During Will Rogers



Pennsylvania Register 5 November/December 2005

SIGMUND J. PEHEL III President

If the Shoe Fits

This will be my last article as a plaining. I started to apologize for possibly

NAPUS state officer. Over the past seven sounding so heartless, but then realized why

years, I have served as the Secretary/ should I say I’m sorry when all I’m trying to

Treasurer, Vice President, and now as do is help.” Ditto and amen to that

President. During that time, I have writ- Dominick–”if the shoe fits…”

ten seventy articles on a myriad of topics There are so many positive things that

that have included my family, vacations, NAPUS offers Postmasters. Please utilize our

motivation, instruction, reporting, sugges- excellent web site at www.pa-napus.org and

tions, and challenges to our Postal see. Check out the content specialist list of

Service leadership to name a few. So Postmasters who are there to help you in each

when I was contemplating this article, I District. Also, there is a handbook that lists all

decided that I wanted to write about a the duties, responsibilities, and job descrip-

subject that I have been mum about until now. tions for every position in our state. Also

I have received numerous calls from people over the years that need included are how to write your congressman

some assistance in dealing either with their Post Office Operations and the Ten Commandments for Postmasters.

Managers or MPOO concerning problems with their complement, need NAPUS provides training for Postmasters as

of a supervisor, adverse action, not making a promotional package, or well as craft employees. In the past two years,

not being selected. To my chagrin, some of these calls have been from over 1,000 people have had the opportunity to

non-NAPUS members who call me because they know I am the attend training sessions at either the State

President of the Postmaster’s “union” (we are not a union and are pro- Convention or sessions conducted in each

hibited under Title 39–something I wrote about in a past article) and District. So if you are in need of information,

feel that somehow I can help them. The first thing I ask anyone is, “are training, or someone to represent you if you

you a member of NAPUS?” are in trouble–NAPUS is your answer.

I am amazed how many tell me, “No,” with the reasoning that they Finally, my biggest peeve that truly upsets

never thought they would need NAPUS, can’t afford the dues, are too me more than anything else is to see people

busy or because NAPUS doesn’t really do anything for them. I can’t tell who are members take a position as an Area

you how upset, frustrated, and angry I get when I hear any of these Director, District Vice President or committee

comments. I decided years ago to join and get involved because I want- member and don’t follow through with duties

ed to be a part of the solution rather then stay outside, complain, point and become AWOL. These people like the title

fingers or “B & M.” If you are a non-member, NAPUS cannot represent and the perceived importance that goes with

you. However, I give my, “it’s time you joined” speech, and then offer their title, yet they don’t get involved and are

my advice on how to handle their problem. Some take my advice, “paper tigers.” I have been to some District

while others listen but don’t hear. You can lead a horse to water… Yes, meetings where I have been more as the

these people irritate me. If you are one of these people and happen to President than their local elected and appoint-

get a copy of this article, all I can say is, “If the shoe fits…” ed representatives. If you take on a job for

Then there are those members who are paying dues, but not active NAPUS we expect you to do your job and take

for so many reasons that I can’t begin to enumerate. We have close to your position seriously – to lead and carry out

1400 members in Pennsylvania, yet we only see 300–350 a year at our the duties of the position you were elected or

State Conventions. I don’t expect 100% participation, but it would be appointed to. If for any reason you can’t carry

nice and rewarding to see 50% of our Postmasters involved in any out those duties, all you have to do is notify

capacity. I often hear from those who blame the association for not get- an officer and tender your resignation for “per-

ting them out of their predicaments, which are often self-inflicted. sonal reasons.” To do otherwise is just placing

Usually, NAPUS gets blamed for not doing enough for them. The criti- a title on a shallow résumé. Those of you out

cism ranges from not getting them higher pay raises to more people for there know who you are so “if the shoe fits…”

their office. When I ask them, “are you involved in the association,” In conclusion, it’s been a very good seven

invariably, I hear, “NO,” followed by “I’m too busy,” or “I don’t have the years for me as I embark as the National Vice

time.” To paraphrase JFK, ask not what NAPUS can do for you, but President for Area 4 beginning in January

what you can do for NAPUS. “If the shoe fits…” 2006. During this time, I have been associated

I recently read an article from Area 7 National Vice President, with many hard working people throughout

Dominick Spadaro, who said, “NAPUS is the best support group you our state and nation dedicated to Postmasters.

have. If you doubt me, call your chapter officers or neighboring NAPUS is a family and family takes care of

Postmasters who are actively involved in the organization. Sure they each other. So if you hear from a Postmaster

have bad days and sometimes get behind, but they are not over- who needs your assistance, remember they are

whelmed. They call and even more personally, help those in need. family–”if the shoe fits,” give them a hand.

That’s what we are about! Unless you exhaust this resource, stop com-





Pennsylvania Register 6 November/December 2005

BARBARA J. HAWK, Secretary/Treasurer

On October 16, our us. And the Postal Service should stand up and take

Mentoring, Training, and notice. It is far easier to teach someone how to do

Development Committee something right than it is to correct the mistakes

hosted a training seminar they will make when left to learn it on their own.

in Clarion that was Thank you, Siggy. Thank you, Donna, Emil and

attended by 85 Postal Don. You’re doing a great job and I, for one, appre-

employees. And on ciate what you are doing for all of us.

October 23, they hosted a Hope that all of you have a Blessed Holiday and

training seminar in make some wonderful memories with your loved

Greensburg that was ones.

attended by 40 Postal

employees. Our MTD

Committee did a fantastic

job again! Donna Bailey in Clarion and Don Gobbel

in Greensburg served up some wonderful training

along with a very decent lunch. In Clarion, we

received training on TACS, LTATS, Ebuy, and com-

puter skills from the Erie District personnel. In

Greensburg, Rural Delivery Management and Retail

Revenue Generation were covered. And, of course,

our own Emil Buatti had a class both weeks on

Retirement and Investments. The seminar in Clarion

was supposed to be over at 5 p.m., but people were

still asking questions at 6 p.m. I’m disappointed that

I won’t be able to attend the training in the Poconos

in a couple of weeks, but I’m sure that Emil and our

MTD Committee will do an equally impressive job.

The attendance of these Postal employees on their

day off and at their own expense should tell the

Postal Service something. There is a very real need

for training of this kind. There is one thing that can

be guaranteed in our jobs today and that is change.

We are inundated with new programs, new prod-

ucts, new regulations, and new equipment. They

send us CDs, SOPs, and hard copies of new training, YOUR PAC DOLLARS AT WORK

but nothing compares to hands-on learning from

someone who knows what they’re doing; to be able

to ask questions as we go along. We are responsible

for AVUS, DOIS, CPMS, My Post Office, Efleet,

COARS, Eflash, Ebuy, TACS, Webbats, and ERMS,

just to name a few. And we are threatened with dis-

cipline if we are not in compliance or don’t check

into or out of a program within a certain time. Yet,

we aren’t given any training! How can we be held

accountable for something we haven’t been taught

how to do?

We need to thank Siggy and our Mentoring,

Training, and Development Committee for taking

A photo from Rep. Tim Holden’s Pig Roast. From left to right

the initiative and spending the time and money to are Valerie Noga, Kendra Mummey, Tom Brown, Tim Holden

do what the Postal Service should have done–train (unidentified man) and Judy Lech.





Pennsylvania Register 7 November/December 2005

STEVE KOCHERSPERGER

Editor



Milestones



It’s a cliché that time honor for me to be named NAPUS Editor of the Year

flies faster the older you in Long Beach, but it’s an honor I am happy to share

get. Caught up in the with all Pennsylvania Postmasters. I certainly could

details of our daily routine, not have done it alone.

it’s easy to lose track of the years. But every so often This would also be the perfect time to thank two

we hit a landmark that reminds us of how much men who helped me a lot along the way, and who

time really has gone by. This fall I reached one of will continue to serve Postmasters in new positions

those milestones. in 2006. Hugh Hager had been the Editor of the

When I first was appointed Postmaster, there were Register for nine years when I took over the job. He

a number of expectant mothers among my new cus- set a high standard, which I have strived to main-

tomers. Many of those kids who were in-utero when tain. Hugh has always been there when I had ques-

I began my Postmastership went off to college this tions and I know he is pleased with our success. We

fall. It seems like just yesterday when they toddled can all take pride in having him at the helm as

into my lobby, but now they are all grown up (more Editor of the Postmaster’s Gazette.

or less). How long before they return with babies of Then there is Siggy… Siggy and I took office

their own? together, he as President and I as Editor. Of course

One of the best perks of being a small-town post- he had lots more experience in NAPUS than I did,

master is being adopted into the extended family of and I have learned tremendously from him. He

the community we serve. would constantly challenge me and encourage me

I would like to welcome our new Puzzlemaster along the way. He also tolerated my irreverent sense

aboard. Linda Morgan is the Postmaster at East of humor and my Arlen Specter impersonations. It’s

Smithfield, PA. She enjoys creating word-search hard to believe two years has flown by already. As

puzzles for her own amusement, but she has offered our National Vice President, Siggy will fiercely rep-

to share them for our enjoyment. resent the interests of Pennsylvania Postmaster both

I want to thank everyone for supporting me over to NAPUS and to the Postal Service.

the last two years that I have served as your Editor. I I wish you all the best in 2006 and I am looking

came into this job not fully knowing what to expect, forward to working with our new madam President,

but everyone has been helpful and supportive. I Sharon Whitman.

especially thank those who sit down to write and

send me their stories every month. It was a great









Pennsylvania Register 8 November/December 2005

National Vice President AREA 4 (PA)

HUGH HAGER

Proceed With Caution

Have you ever had a really bad If PRO has

feeling about something, and no any success in

matter how much people try to con- the

vince you that you have nothing to Appalachian

fear, you cannot understand why District this

you are still afraid? That is the feel- year, it is

ing I have about the Eastern Area’s almost certain

FY06 testing of Post Office Resource that it will be

Optimization (PRO) in the rolled out in

Appalachian District. other Districts

I attended meetings in Pittsburgh in FY07.

and Charleston where Eastern Area Vice President Al Lazaroff did I would just warn Postmasters that it is

his very best to explain the merits of a program that would have my belief that “success” will be deter-

Postmasters, within a certain geographical area, work as a team to mined solely by how well the teams

better manage their resources. There would be a “Capitol” office reduce costs. Sharing purchases of toilet

and the Postmaster or the OIC of that office would be the team paper and other supplies will not do this,

leader. reducing hours of operation and compli-

There are many inherit problems in such a system, the most ment will. I would question whether, or

serious being, Postmasters will be placed in an adversarial role in not the savings achieved will justify the

their negotiations with the other Postmasters within their group impact that reduced hours of operation

for needed resources. Postmasters with years of on-the-job experi- and lower levels of staffing will have upon

ence and accumulated knowledge will be answering to a revenue generation efforts and customer

Postmaster or OIC in a “Capitol” office that may have much less service.

experience and time on the job. Not the best use of “human” I would urge everyone to keep an open

resources. mind about PRO, but be careful not to

It is safe to assume that the “Capitol” office will be selected miss the handwriting on the wall when it

based on the higher EAS level of the office and the other team appears in front of you.

members will be the lower level offices surrounding it. As I write my final article as your

While Mr. Lazaroff denies that it is his intention to close any National Vice President, I have mixed

Post Office, he did state that when the teams are up and function- emotions.

ing, and a Postmaster within the team retires, it would be up to I look forward to continue working on

the team to recommend to the Post Office Operations Manager, if the national level in 2006 as the National

that Postmaster is needed, or would the team be better served if Editor. At the same time, I will miss the

that Postmaster’s duties were to be divided amongst the remaining daily phone calls and emails from the

team members. many friends that I have made over the

Okay, if we are not going to close any Post Offices, but we years in Pennsylvania. I am confident that

decide that we no longer need a Postmaster in that office, what do National Vice President-elect Siggy Pehel

you think is going to happen? That Post Office would have to will hit the ground running in January and

become a station or branch of one on the remaining Post Offices. represent you well as your voice on the

In many cases, this would raise the EAS level of the Postmaster National Executive Board.

assuming those duties, so how do you think the “vote” will go? In closing, I want to thank the members

I have never claimed to be the brightest crayon in the box, but of Pennsylvania Chapter Executive Board

it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see the big picture here. There for all your support and assistance these

is little doubt in my mind that this is a long range plan to consoli- past two years. To all the Pennsylvania

date Post Offices and do away with Postmaster positions. The pro- Postmasters who allowed me the opportu-

gram will undermine a Postmaster’s authority to operate their Post nity to serve my fellow Postmasters, I

Office, will not properly compensate the “Capitol” office would just like to say, “it was an honor.”

Postmaster for the additional duties they will be required to per-

form, and ultimately lead to the reduction of Postmaster positions.





Pennsylvania Register 9 November/December 2005

Legislative Committee

Connie Lang, Chair



109th Congressional Wrap Up









As the 109th Congress expects to start the holiday There are four Pennsylvania Congressmen not

vacation Nov. 18th, there does not seem to be signed on as co-sponsors to this Bill:

enough time to get all our objectives passed. • Phil English

H.R 22 was passed in the House in July by a 410 • Don Sherwood

– 20 vote. All Pennsylvania Congressmen voted for • John Murtha

the Bill. If you see your Representative please thank • Joseph Pitts.

them for their support. S.484 the Senate companion to HR 994 still

It seems that S.662 will not have its day on the does not have either Pennsylvania Senators as

floor before the vacation begins. Senator Kit Bond co-sponsors.

from Missouri put a clinker in the plans of Senator H.R. 147 GPO /WEP now has 298 co-sponsors.

Collins to get a vote before adjournment. Hallmark Jim Gerlach and Curt Weldon signed on in July and

Cards is based in Missouri and they have a problem Oct. The Congressmen from Pennsylvania not

with the wording of the Senate Bill. Hallmark likes signed on are:

the House version, and its language allowing mail- • Don Sherwood

ers to challenge prices for First Class mail if they • Charles Dent

think the rates are not “fair and equitable.” Senators • Joseph Pitts.

Collins and Bond are continuing to talk in hopes of S. 169 the Senate companion bill does not have

coming to a compromise. either Pennsylvania Senators as co-signers.

Neither Senator from Pennsylvania is signed as a On Sept 13th, the Board of Governors sent a letter

co-sponsor. to the key members of Congress saying thanks but

H.R. 994 that would allow federal, civilian and no thanks concerning Postal Reform. The Board felt

military retirees to pay health insurance premiums the two bills, H.R. 22 and S. 664, did not have the

on a pretax basis now has 283 co-sponsors. flexibility or the authority the Board felt was needed

Representatives Charles Dent and Curt Weldon for comprehensive reform.

signed on to this bill in Sept. and Nov. respectively. One Congressional aide called the letter “disap-

Could this be because of your efforts to contact their pointing.” “You don’t wake up in Sept 2005 and

offices and expressing your opinion? complain about things in the bill since June 1996.”

I hope you all have a Peaceful Holiday Season.







Pennsylvania Register 10 November/December 2005

Convention 2006, June 11-15

Sharon Harring

and Judy Lech,

Co-chairs





Early Birds

The State Convention is

fast approaching and I Convention Registration

am in need of your We’re in need of items to stuff the good-

help. I am honored to ie bags at the 2006 Pennsylvania State

be the 2006 Pennsylvania State Convention Chair for the Convention. Almost anything makes a

Early Birds. I would appreciate any assistance in gathering good bag stuffer: key rings, pens, snacks,

items to be given out before each of the morning business etc. We are planning to make 325 grab

sessions. If you know of any businesses in your community bags, so check with your friends, families,

that would like to advertise through gifts for the drawings, and business customers to request these

please contact me by email bobcat34@ptd.net, by phone donations. If you are able to make the con-

610-767-2974, or by mail P O Box 23 New Tripoli PA 18066. tact yourself, have the items sent as soon

If any local organizations would like to donate cash prizes as possible to:

or gift certificates, please contact me or just send to the Michele A. Cressman, 426 E. 8th Ave,

above address. I do have a general letter drafted to send out Conshohocken PA 19428-1769. Otherwise,

to businesses in the community, you just need to let me please send or call me with a contact

know the business and I will be happy to send them a letter. name, mailing address, or email address

I'll be updating each Register from now until the Convention, for me to send a donation letter directly to

but I would surely like to get everything organized as soon as them.

possible. Thanking you in advance for all your generous Email: macpm40@yahoo.com or call my

support. cell: 610-202-5164

Kathy Hamm, Early Birds Chair Michele A Cressman, Registration Chair





Visit the Holiday Inn Conference Center – Lehigh Valley’s website www.hilehighvalley.com





IMAGINE ALL THE STAMPS

Associated Press, the Washington Post, The

Baltimore Sun, Good Morning America,

Newsday, Minneapolis Star Tribune, Seattle

Post-Intelligencer and other media outlets

report that John Lennon’s childhood stamp

collection, “The Lost Album,” is on display

at the Smithsonian’s National Postal

Museum in time for two Lennon milestones

– the 25th anniversary of his death in

December and what would have been his

65th birthday Oct 9. The album will remain

on display at least until April 10.

“Somewhere along the line, people started thinking of stamp col-

lecting as somewhat stodgy. That’s what has made John Lennon’s

stamp album so much fun. Lennon could never be described as

stodgy,” said the museum’s curator, Wilson Hulme.







Pennsylvania Register 11 November/December 2005

NANCY ISENBERG Associate Editor PUTTING THEIR

TWO-CENTS IN

Is That Really ME

on My ID? The Postal Rate

Commission (PRC) issued

I have a question for all of you. How its recommended deci-

many of you look like the picture on sion for the Postal

your Postal ID? Unless you are a new Service’s April filing for

employee, I would think hardly any- an across-the-board 5.4%

one looks like their ID. This has percent increase in rates

always been a bone of contention to offset the $3.1billion

with me. With all the “high security” escrow payment required

we have with the United States Postal by Congress. The PRC

Service, I would think that our ID did not recommend a

badges should actually resemble 5.4% across-the-board

what we look like. Some of you may increase for all rate-class-

recall that I brought up this issue at es, although the majority of the recommended

the NAPUS Convention at Tamiment rate increases fall within that range.

a few years ago, when we met with The PRC’s recommendation would raise the

our District Director. I asked why price of a First-Class stamp by two cents to 39

our ID’s are so out-dated. At the cents and the price of a postcard one cent to 24

time, my badge had an expiration cents. Under the current proposal, Express

date of 2009. Yes, 2009! Mail, Priority Mail and Standard Mail rates

Mr. Cellino was our District Manager at the time and he told me would see similar increases in the 5.4% range.

that he was going to look into it. And to be honest, I received a personal- The Postal Service Governors may approve,

ly written letter from him about one week after the Convention. He said reject, allow under protest or modify – under

that the new badges (back then) were going to have his signature added certain circumstances and after more proceed-

to the bottom. The old ones did not have the signature. They also even- ings – the Commission’s recommendations.

tually changed the expiration date to 2007. Well, okay, so we got new

badges with his signature on the bottom, but they had the same old

pictures!

I said at the meeting that even the Department of Transportation

requires us to take a new photo for our driver’s licenses every four years.

When we were initially given the ID’s they were already old photos as far

as I was concerned. For those of you in my area, if you recall, we all had

our pictures taken for the ID badges at a meeting in Johnstown. Then

about eight or nine months later, we were given ID badges with those

photos on them. It looks to me like this is happening again.

Back in March, I attended a mandatory meeting in Johnstown. We

were all told to be prepared to have a new photo taken for our badges. I

was glad that we were finally going to look like our photos! Well, that

was seven months ago and we still don’t have the new badges. So once

again, when we do finally get the badges, I won’t look like my picture

again. I have lost some weight since then (thankfully) and my hair is dif-

ferent. I realize that we can’t always look like our photos, but the one I

have right now is ancient. People have actually laughed at it saying it

doesn’t look like me. I certainly hope they mean that in a good way. I’m

sure there are a lot of you out there that can say the same thing.

Our district has a new acting District Manager once again. I thought

maybe that was the cause for the hold up since the new ID’s needed the

District Manager’s signature on the bottom. But if the Postal Service is

going to preach about security like they do (and should) then let’s get

with the program and get these new ID badges done and start wearing

them! I wonder what I’m going to look like when we finally get the

badges with the photos that were taken in March. Maybe I should send

Steve a new picture of me for my articles too!

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving everyone. And for those of you who

are hunters, I hope you bag that big one this year! Until next time. . . Donna Mallory shows that she has the right

stuff to stay on the mechanical bull at the

Convention in Long Beach.





Pennsylvania Register 12 November/December 2005

TRACY R. HALLMAN Schnecksville, PA 18078

Now It’s the Postmaster’s Turn in the Chair

My Fellow Postmasters… Postmasters to attend. Yet, I went to a golf outing for the

Postal Customer Council and I saw 10, maybe 15 Post-

By now most of you know masters that don’t come to meetings.

that if something doesn’t seem I know people have their own lives and say that meetings

right, I like to talk about it. are just gripe sessions or they are too late at night. Everyone

Well, this month I am writing has more excuses than I can count, but I know that a dinner

about us. That’s right: Post- is cheaper than a round of golf! I’m not saying you need to

masters. For too long now, attend every dinner and go to every convention. I have 4

Postmasters have lived by this kids, a great wife and I know I can’t make all these events,

theory: a grizzly is chasing us but I try.

both, but I don’t have to outrun Are you paying your dues to this organization? Why? Do

the grizzly, I just have to out- you use the Credit Union? Is it just for representation only

run you. And if you’re faster when you get in trouble? Is it because someone told you to

than me, I need to find a way join? If that’s the case, then send me a $100, because I’m a

to knock you down before you nice guy! Where do you get your information? Are you call-

get ahead. ing another Postmaster for help with a problem? Why not

That attitude needs to call your local NAPUS vice-president and suggest that prob-

change. We need to get together lem as a topic for a meeting? Stop being part of the problem

and start using the information and be part of the solution.

available to all of us to fight off Don’t think there is nothing for you at these meetings.

that bear. Do you know how Think what you can bring to the meeting for everybody else!

many times I have been told, We have tried this “bring it to the meeting” idea in our terri-

“Well, this office has this and tory and let me tell you, even Siggy said, “I have not been to

they still make these hours?” a better meeting than the two meetings here (180 and 183).”

By dividing us and using us And another big concern I have is that only a few, if any,

against each other, we had no base to stand on. We need to level 20 or above Postmasters attend our meetings, at least in

stick together and use the different reports available to help the 180–183 area. Hank and Rich, kudos to you guys. As for

each other like the WOS (Window Operations Survey). the rest of you, what’s wrong? Call me and let me know. We

Another thing that we need to do is to get involved. I don’t want you at the meetings and some of you know I have

mean you have to run for office or write letters, I mean come called to personally invite you. It is time to get involved!

to a meeting. Here in my own territory of 180 and 183, we Tracy Hallman is the Postmaster of Schnecksville PA 18078.

had two meetings since July and we struggled to get 35





REMEMBERING 911, continued

flickering on the sidewalk in the twilight. time–1800’s by Russia, Prussia and Austria. Fortunately for

My cousin Reverend Canon Henryk Drozd called to see if me, Father Drozd had studied (had been forced to study) the

he was still scheduled to come for me in the morning. Russian language. I feel very lucky in this genealogical mat-

Perhaps I was going to make a change in our plans. Earlier ter. In 1975, my family and I were visiting my wife’s grand-

we had planned to drive to his rectory in Siedlce about 80 parent’s parish. I asked the Pastor if we could see the church

miles away. I asked him to come anyway. The next day, he records. He told us that while the Nazis occupied the town,

arrived. I asked him if he would drive by the embassy on the SS took over the rectory and destroyed all records.

our way out of town. He assured me there was no problem. When it was time to leave Poland, I observed a big differ-

He drove slowly while I had the window down and my cam- ence at the airport. Previously, anyone could walk in with

era ready. People were bringing more flowers and candles. It the passengers. Now at the entrance, a soldier was standing

was quite a massive display. At the rectory, the Reverend with a submachine gun. Along side of him was an airline

had a DSL computer connection. I used it each day to keep person checking tickets and passport. Only the ticketed per-

in contact with my son and daughter. Ann sent me an email son was permitted entrance. Times have changed!

asking me to return home. I showed and translated it to the Milego Dnia — that’s Polish for have a nice day.

Reverend. He said, “Tell Anusia that the terrorists are not Anthony L. Lupkowski, Postmaster Retired

after the Poles only the Americans.” Blossburg PA

I stayed for the planned month. During that time, I was

able to read USA Today online, Polish Newsweek, and filled PS: Several years ago, I hosted a Rotary boy from Belgium. He

in with the Polish press. knew that I was a Postal employee. As a friendship gift, he

My other highlight of the trip was being able to see my gave me a Belgian letter carrier cap. It is a shame to throw it

grandfather’s and great-grandfather’s birth and baptismal away. Do you know of someone or some organization that

records in church books. They were hand-written in beauti- would like it? Appreciate any comments.

ful penmanship, in Russian. (Poland was divided at that





Pennsylvania Register 13 November/December 2005

TERI THOMAS, Service Rep

End of the Year Wrap

My husband Greg and I wish 12-Month Certificate Term

you a very Merry Christmas and $30,000 Minimum Start-Up 24-Month Certificate Term

a blessed New Year. We have Rate: 4.25% (APY: 4.33%) $500 Minimum Start-Up

already received our gift—the Rate: 4.50% (APY: 4.59%)

gift of life. Late next Spring, 13-Month Certificate Term

probably during the State $5,000 Minimum Start-Up 36-Month Certificate Term

Convention, we will become Rate: 3.75% (APY: 3.82%) $500 Minimum Start-Up

Grandparents. Our daughter, Rate: 4.75% (APY: 4.85%)

Nicol, remarked she had to plan 15-Month Certificate Term

our 25th Wedding Anniversary around the State Convention $10,000 Minimum Start-Up 60-Month Certificate Term

in Seven Springs, her wedding around the Convention in Rate: 4.00% (APY: 4.07%) $500 Minimum Start-Up

Greensburg, my 50th birthday around Executive Board so it

Rate: 4.85% (APY: 4.96%)

should surprise no one that this baby was planned for the

18-Month Certificate Term

first week of June hopefully before the Convention. You have

to love that kid and her understanding of my second family, $500 Minimum Start-Up

NAPUS. God bless you, Nik. Rate: 4.25% (APY:4.33%)

Now for the news and promotions:

NAPUS FCU Season’s Greetings Loan Sale on ExpressMoney™ Accounts

That time of year is quickly approaching where we all have a

need for some extra cash—holiday time! NAPUS FCU has lowered • Monthly or biweekly pay-

If you’re like most people, it isn’t always easy to set enough the interest rate on ment plans

money aside ahead of time to cover these expenses, and we ExpressMoney, our most ver- • Automatic transfer and

usually end up putting these costs on a high interest credit satile loan product. Apply payroll deduction available

card. There are better options to finance your gift purchases. today and have up to (optional)

NAPUS FCU unveils a very competitive holiday loan pack- $15,000 available when you

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your savings account! invaluable in unexpected ExpressMoney:

• Loans up to $10,000 situations. 1. Please call our Member

• 8.5% APR (Annual Percentage Rate) • 9.9 Annual Percentage Services Department at

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Qualified members can sign up for this loan package by call- for virtually any purpose apply for a loan with our

ing 1-800-336-0284.

• Limits from $1,000 to Secure Online Loan

NAPUS FCU Beat-Your-Interest-Rate Challenge $15,000 Application

NAPUS Federal Credit Union wants you to compare, save, • Free personalized checks

and win money! Beginning on October 1st, 2005, if the Credit • No annual fee

Union can beat the interest rate you’re currently paying on an

existing loan from another lender, you’ll be entered to win:

• $1,000 in our Beat-Your-Interest-Rate Challenge drawing.

• A secondary benefit for qualified members is you auto- NAPUS FCU Auto Loan Refinance Sale

matically WIN by lowering your monthly payment and Do you think you have the lowest possible auto loan

lowering your interest rate interest rate available? NAPUS FCU is targeting members

Our Beat-Your-Interest-Rate Challenge applies to home equity who currently have an auto loan financed at another

loans, home equity lines of credit, signature loans, and loans institution.

for new and used: “NAPUS Federal Credit Union will beat any financial

• Automobiles institution’s auto loan interest rate by a full 1%!!”

• Recreational vehicles I want to thank all the members who have used the

• Boats services of the NAPUS FCU this year. The PA NAPUS has

• Motorcycles been very generous to the new members with a deposit of

Refinancing your loan is simple. To apply: $10 to their savings share accounts.

Call the NAPUS FCU at 1-800-336-0284. This Chapter promotion was approved by the Executive

Offer ends December 31st, 2005. Board last January and was well received as a Membership

NAPUS FCU Short-Term Certificate incentive.

Promotion I wish Sharon Whitman, our new NAPUS President, the

The Credit Union has heard your very best and I will see you all at Executive Board in

requests! The time is NOW to take advan- January. It has been a true pleasure to be your Service

tage of rising dividend rates with a NAPUS FCU short-term Representative. Proud to serve.

certificate.



Pennsylvania Register 14 November/December 2005

Mentoring, Training & Development

EMIL BUATTI

As of this October 23, Co-Chair, has received a commitment from the Central

Mentoring, Training and Pennsylvania and Philadelphia Districts to provide eigh-

Development has completed teen computers for our use. The "IT" specialist for Central

two of our three fall semi- Pennsylvania will coordinate the computer-training pro-

nars. The program in gram. At this time, we are planning to have a beginner’s

Clarion at the Holiday Inn class, which will consist of basically navigating the com-

was coordinated by Donna puter, making folders, and saving documents. The inter-

Bailey and went over big. mediate class will consist of using Postal Service pro-

Donna had the Erie District make a Power Point presenta- grams like WebBATS, eBuy, and COARS.

tion on computer use, specifically eBuy. Also there were With eighteen computers and four scheduled classes,

two retirement planning/counseling seminars. Approx- we calculate that we can train 144 individuals at next

imately 85 folks attended this program on October 16. year’s Convention. (We just have to put two students per

On October 23, Don Gobbel coordinated the program computer). Since we expect a high attendance in these

that was held in Youngwood at the Westmoreland computer classes, we most likely will have attendees

Community College. Don had Rural Route management, "pre-register" for these classes.

Retail Training and three Retirement Planning/counseling In following issues of The Pennsylvania Register, there

seminars. About 45 folks attended. will be more information regarding these computer class-

The 2006 Convention Committee held its first meeting es as well as our total education program that will be

on October 15 at the Holiday Inn and Conference Center held at the State Convention.

in Lehigh Valley. There is a lot in store for our training

program at next years’ State Convention. Sharon Harring,









Training Held in Clarion, Youngwood & Mt. Pocono









On October 16, over 85 Postmasters, OIC’s and other interested postal employees gave up their Sunday afternoon (miss-

ing the Steelers’ game) to take advantage of training offered by Erie District staff and NAPUS.



Deb Rinn, (A) Mgr. of TACS Operations, went over the ‘ins and outs’ of TACS, Junius Johnson, Budget/Financial Analyst,

covered LTATS and FLASH, Kevin Hein, Information Systems Coordinator, answered endless questions about ACE com-

puters, and Shirley Dows, Purchasing Specialist, expounded on the intricacies of eBuy.



Emil Buatti, Postmaster of Henryville, offered counseling on Civil Service and FERS retirement. The training was spon-

sored by the Pennsylvania Chapter of NAPUS and was held at the Clarion Holiday Inn. Additional seminars were

planned in Youngwood and Mt. Pocono.





Pennsylvania Register 15 November/December 2005

Ask Mr & Mrs PM by Dean and Sharon Whitman

The last article of 2005! It seems like just weeks ago that we that was flooding the

wished you a Happy New Year. We could wish you a Happy basement before our new

Fiscal New Year this time, but depending on your office and the system? Fortunately,

budget you received, it may not be happy. We both have city nothing else flooded the

delivery routes and already know this budget is a real challenge. basement, if you get my

Mrs. PM is trying to figure out how to make two 640+ deliveries drift. Back to Penn State,

routes into under eight hours. Can you say, “Houdini!” Mr. PM received a cell

Strapping on a carrier satchel is definitely not in the plan but phone call during the

unfortunately, sometimes it is the only plan. We both have done Minnesota win from Mr.

it and got the t-shirt. With the new fiscal year, it signals a sad National Vice President

time in our lives. Our trips to New Jersey end this month. checking to see if we

In two days, we travel to Seaville to perform the annual clos- were at the game. He was lucky to have heard the phone ring

ing rights. Every year it gets easier, and after seven years Mr. PM due to the roaring crowds at the stadium.

has become a pro. As you know, the problems usually occur The Michigan game was a real disappointment when PSU lost

when we open in the Spring. We may even do some Christmas with one second left, but this past Saturday the Lions redeemed

shopping although we only have one afternoon to do it. Mrs. PM themselves. It was wonderful to see such a big win, even after

has a plan for shopping this year. She will be cornering the mar- JoePa substituted fourth string players. At halftime, Mrs. PM

ket on gift cards. Our great-nieces think the cards are really cool. gave up watching the game and went upstairs to watch Trading

The seven-year-old loves to shop and use her "credit card". In Spaces. She was surprised that they traded spaces in the life-

fact all three girls love to shop. Our shopping list is down to guard stations in Sea Isle and Stone Harbor, New Jersey (familiar

about five gift purchases and we already purchased three. territory for us). Too bad the lifeguards hated the changes and

How about those Nittany Lions? What a great year for foot- returned it back to its original décor. On Sunday, the boys were

ball! Every game is so enjoyable and exciting and Penn State is back up and the Eagles some how won the game with San

back in Bowl competition again, although a Bowl is not in our Diego. Once again this year, we both hope for an all

financial plans this year. A new septic system trumped a Bowl Pennsylvania Super Bowl in Detroit. Only time will determine if

game trip. Sometimes you have to get your priorities straight in the dream becomes reality.

life. You think we could have continued to bail the clear water Let’s roar through the questions:



1. Does the time you spend away from the job on Workman’s Compensation affect the service time counted for your

retirement?

A: Since retirement questions are near and dear to Mr. PM, he asked the personnel person he visited last year when planning for his own

retirement. She told him emphatically that the time is not taken away from your total work time.



2. Recently many letter size envelopes, which weigh less than one ounce, have been returned from the plant with a

label affixed requiring the non-machineable twelve-cent surcharge be affixed, the label removed, and the letters

re-mailed. Many of these envelopes are just puffy with paper and do not contain rigid items. A small amount of

creasing decreases the puffiness. Others are envelope size and are sealed with a clasp, which has been covered

with tape. Why are they being returned?

A: The puffy envelopes should not be returned if they are no more than .25 inches thick. We would crease them to take away the

puffiness, pull off the label and place them back into the mail stream. The envelopes with the clasps are a different story. An

automation compatible mail piece may not be poly-wrapped, poly-bagged, or shrink-wrapped; have clasps, strings, button, or

similar closure devices; or have protrusions that might impede or damage the mail processing equipment. We feel a clasp

envelope covered with tape really does not fit the above, so it should not be returned. Unfortunately, the plant is following the

DMM to the letter. Ref: DMM C810.3.1



May the joy of the holiday season be with you and your family. We know it will be joyful for Mr. PM since it is his last in

the Postal Service. No amount of hassle will bother him this year and he even plans to take the week between Christmas

and New Year’s off. It will be the first time he has taken this week off in the thirty- two years he has worked for the Postal

Service, excluding the year he had his knee operation. Unfortunately, Mrs. PM will still be a grouch this year. Poor Mr. PM!

He might want to live somewhere else the month of December. One more year until Mrs. PM can be happy.

We hope to see some of you at the NAPUS holiday parties around the state. Mrs. PM will come back from the holidays

motivated to work as your new President and Mr. PM is prepared to be the First Man.

Send your questions to:

Mr. & Mrs. PM, 260 S Windy Mansion Rd, Denver Pa 17517-9512

Email: whitmanmrpm@dejazzd.com or whitmanmrspm@dejazzd.com

Talk to you next year!





Pennsylvania Register 16 November/December 2005

Candidate for NAPUS Naitonal Secretary/Treasurer 2007-2008

ROBERT L. (BOB) PODIO

Committee to Elect Robert L. (Bob) Podio

To the Postmasters of Pennsylvania: Representative for NAPUS, developing the National

On August 22, 2005, at the National Convention in Training for FY 06 Revenue Generation Training. During

Long Beach CA, the great state of Colorado formally this time, I have had exposure to the national budgeting

announced my candidacy for the office of National process, convention planning, and input on the national

Secretary/Treasurer of NAPUS for the term 2007-2008. executive board on critical Postmaster issues.

I believe very strongly I have the necessary experience My civic work adds great value to my personal life.

and dedication to serve as your next National Secretary/ I currently volunteer to coach a “13 and under” girls’

Treasurer. NAPUS has always been an integral part of my softball team. It has added a great amount of personal

Postal career and I have been actively involved at the satisfaction to my life, being able to work with and

local and national levels. I am highly committed to develop kids to become responsible for their

NAPUS and to Postmasters, and I will pledge my energy actions–molding them into better adults. My work for

and skills to meeting the needs of Postmasters at all lev- the Federal Campaign, United Way Board Member, and

els of the Postal Service. United Way Community Problem Solving Committee has

Presently, I am the Postmaster in Pueblo CO, an EAS-24 allowed me a greater understanding of my community

office with over 300 employees. I have a well-rounded and the needs that must be met. These volunteer posi-

background with over 31 years of Postal experience, hav- tions have provided me with a great deal of financial

ing worked as a city carrier, Supervisor – Delivery & experience, which enhances my NAPUS background.

Collections, Station Manager, Manager – Customer If I am elected to the position of National Secretary/

Service, Director – Field Operations, and Postmaster. I Treasurer, I will continuously dedicate myself to my

have served in numerous details at various levels within “passion” of continually serving Postmasters. We will

the Postal Service. face enormous challenges in the future, but I know that

After being selected as Postmaster Pueblo CO, I imme- collectively, we can consistently resolve those difficult

diately became involved in the Colorado Chapter of issues. You can count on me to be a strong leader and to

NAPUS. I was elected to the position of 4th Vice- uphold the values and principles of our NAPUS

President, on three different occasions. Shortly there- organization.

after, I was elected to the position of 1st Vice-President. My campaign can only be successful with the valuable

I have also served for numerous years as the District assistance of my fellow Postmasters. I need your help, as

Director for Southeast Colorado. During my entire time you are critical to my campaign. My National Campaign

as Postmaster Pueblo CO, I have served as the Colorado Chair is Cindy Kain. She may be reached at 607-546-

Chapter’s Postmaster Representative, representing 8244. I would also enjoy speaking with you about any

Postmasters in multiple issues such as harassment, mer- issues or concerns you might have. Feel free to call me at

its-NPAs, downgrades, and removals. your convenience at 719-251-7120 or e-mail me at

On the National level, I volunteered to be the National Bpodio@hotmail.com. Through your commitment and

Convention Chairman for Denver in 2004. I am currently assistance, I will be able to count on your endorsement

serving as the National Vice-President for Area 19, repre- of your state for the National Convention in Dallas/Ft.

senting the great states of Colorado, New Mexico, and Worth, TX in 2006.

Arizona. I have also been appointed to be the National Thank you very much for your support.









IN BEN FRANKLIN’S FOOTSTEPS

MARTIN NAMED PHILLY POSTMASTER

Judith Martin has been appointed Postmaster of Philadelphia PA. Martin began her

career in 1987 as a letter carrier in Hartford CT. She has been New Haven, CT.

Postmaster for the past three years. Martin holds a bachelor’s degree in business from

Bay Path College in Longmeadow, MA.

“I intend to provide a positive, safe working environment for my employees and to

focus on providing consistent and efficient mail products and services to all customers

in the Philadelphia area,” she said.









Pennsylvania Register 17 November/December 2005

Membership Chair NAPUS Family

SHARON WHITMAN Sharing the

Membership News

September was a rather slow month for membership. Getting

any new member is a success story, so six new members are great

after high membership gains in the last three months. We did lose

some members on October 1. Most of the losses were Associate

members, but I am concerned about the Postmaster members we lost. We need to find out why

these Postmasters felt the need to quit at this time. I am emailing the District Vice Presidents the

list of packets sent and also the resignations. Hopefully, the District Vice Presidents are contact-

ing the Postmasters who resigned to find out what we need to do to retain their membership.

Sometimes Postmasters are frustrated with NAPUS when we can’t help them gain more budget

hours or a promotion. We try to work with the District Managers when we are given concerns,

but the ultimate decision is the District Manager’s, not ours. Sometimes we forget we are an

organization, not a union. We do have the ability to contact NAPUS Headquarters when we feel an issue is not fair and must

be brought to the attention of Postal Headquarters.

I have less than two months left as Membership Chair. Although it was a time consuming job, it was also very rewarding.

Every time one of my envelopes arrived in the mail, I was excited to see whom we added to the family. If you are wondering

why I included this paragraph in my article, we have just found someone who will be dedicated to this position. Jane

Sturgeon has agreed to take the most important job in our organization! Without members, there are no conventions, no

training seminars, and all the other benefits we enjoy as members. I plan to suggest some changes to the Membership

Committee with Janie. After having done this job all these months, I found having a Co-Chair in each District was not logis-

tically feasible. I also use the District Vice Presidents as membership contacts. That is why Barb and I thought that selecting

two Chairs who are situated close to each other to share the load would be better. At this time, Janie would like to do it

alone and she will use the District Vice Presidents and retirees as her email contacts when packets are mailed. Before I

leave this position, I will develop a list of retirees to contact for each District with the help of Phil Gerlach.

My next article will be as your President. I plan to make some changes in the State Organization such as Membership.

For those of you who served under Siggy, I thank you for your devotion. Some of you will be part of my team and for those

who won’t, it is only a matter of a different vision and I thank you and hope you are still active in Pennsylvania NAPUS.

Talk to you in January as your President!





EXTENDING THE NAPUS FAMILY

District

District

XIV – 180, 181, 183 . . .

XII – 182, 186, 187 . . . .

.

.

.

.

.

.

91.21%

86.30%

Welcome to New NAPUS Family Members!!

District XVI – 190, 191 . . . . . . . . . . 86.21% As of September 30, 2005

District II – 154, 156 . . . . . . . . . . . . 83.45% POSTMASTERS

District IX – 170, 171, 172, 178. . . . 80.32% Beth Bartley – Millheim; David Chapman – Gardners;

District I – 150, 151, 152, 153 . . . . . 79.74% James Holland – New Hope; Alan Evans – Springtown

District III – 155, 157, 159 . . . . . . . . 78.15%

District XIII – 184, 185, 188 . . . . . . 77.78% OIC’S

District VII – 158, 167 . . . . . . . . . . . 76.47% Sheila Clutter – Glenwillard; Andrea Florentine – Industry

District XV – 189, 193, 194 . . . . . . . 75.76%

District VIII – 169, 177 . . . . . . . . . . 75.71% Thank you to the following sponsors:

District IV – 160, 161, 162 . . . . . . . 72.32% Eugene Urban and Mary Lindsay

District XI – 179, 195, 196 . . . . . . . 71.43%

District VI – 166, 168 . . . . . . . . . . . 70.91%

District X – 173, 174, 175, 176 . . . . 65.45%

District V – 163, 164, 165 . . . . . . . . 48.65%



Current State Percentage:

76.61



Pennsylvania Register 18 November/December 2005

Pennsylvania Register 19 November/December 2005

Pennsylvania Register 20 November/December 2005

“ACTION=MEMBERSHIP!!” 2005!!”

“Self-Generated” (Please complete separate sheets for each individual)





1. District you represent____________________



2. Name ______________________________________ Source of information __________________________



From Position ____________________________________ Effective Date ____________________



To Position ________________________________________ Zip ______________________________



Non-member Postmaster of ________________________ Zip ______________________________



PO Level__________________________________________ Phone ____________________________________



3. This office was contacted by a ❑ Personal visit ❑ Telephone



4. Did this person receive a membership packet from Sharon? __________



Any questions? ______________________________________________________________________________



5. Has anyone from NAPUS contacted this person before? __________



6. Did the person express the need of other services we do not currently offer?

❑ No ❑ Yes, if checked please list them:



________________________________________________________________________________________________



________________________________________________________________________________________________



________________________________________________________________________________________________



VERY IMPORTANT: PLEASE COMPLETE SECTIONS 7, 8 & 9

7. Outcome and Notes on visit: 8. Date contacted __________________________________________



________________________________________________________________________________________________



________________________________________________________________________________________________



________________________________________________________________________________________________



9. Submitted by: ____________________________________________





Please Return to: Sharon J. Whitman, Membership Chair

260 S. Windy Mansion Road

Denver, PA 17517-9512







Pennsylvania Register 21 November/December 2005

Postcards From the Edge

by Vilma Shu, Editorial Intern

tions preserve and cele- brought recognition to my employees for

brate the Postal Service. their hard work.” Soon after, Iezzi sent

Tony Iezzi’s interest in this postcard to many postmasters across

photography began in high the country.

school where he was the Iezzi takes his photography pretty seri-

first to start a photography ously. He says, “I always strive to take

club. After going to the picture perfect postcard.” He told

Pennsylvania State me that he normally visits a site three to

University for Business four times to study the best angle for the

Administration, he attend- shot. He likes to see the place under dif-

ed Albright College to ferent light conditions so that he can see

study Photography for a when the “light is just right!” This dedi-

He is a postmaster, a photographer, year. In his early photog- cation to detail has not gone unnoticed.

and a postcard designer. This incredible raphy career, Tony Iezzi worked at wed- Iezzi has gotten numerous letters from

person has found a way to combine both dings and took personal portraits. His many people regarding his work, but his

his job as a Postmaster with his passion Postal career began in Reading PA and most memorable moment occurred when

for photography. Most of our readers throughout the years, he has held posi- he got a chance to meet former President

will recognize his postcards that appear tions in West Lawn, Geigertown, Bill Clinton. Iezzi decided to give

monthly in The Pennsylvania Register. Mohrsville, Lancaster, Adamstown, Clinton a number of Reading and Berks

His monthly snapshot strives to stimu- Brownstown, Blue Ball, and Temple PA. County postcards to take back with him.

late our curiosity and our sense of In 1982, Iezzi was faced with the deci- Shortly after, Iezzi received a warm

adventure. The postcards of old Post sion to either give up his hobby of pho- thank you letter from Bill Clinton

Offices are a glimpse into the past and tography or find a way to make money expressing his appreciation for his

into the history behind the Postal with it. After reading an article in photography.

Service. Photography magazine about a postcard Iezzi’s family is very supportive and

If a picture is worth a thousand words printing company, Iezzi was inspired to even helps out in the publishing of his

then his postcards are priceless memora- start his own postcard business–Iezzi’s postcards. Iezzi says, “My postcard busi-

bilia. His postcards tell the stories Photography. Since the postcard printing ness has helped my home budget.”

behind the Postmasters that worked in trade can be done through the mail, he When asked what his plans were for the

those sites and in many cases, they allow was able to keep his Postal positions and future, he says that he is very content in

us to reminisce turn his hobby into a successful busi- Bechtelsville PA and hopes to stay with

ness. Iezzi began with three historical NAPUS as their National photographer.

sights of Reading and Berks County “I have met so many wonderful people

postcards and on the first day of his through the NAPUS family that I can’t

postcard business, he sold $500 worth imagine giving it all up.”

of postcards. Iezzi is always ready for a new chal-

Yet, it was not until he became a lenge so if any Postmaster is interested in

Postmaster in Bechtelsville, PA in 2000 getting their Post Office on a postcard, he

that his interest in collecting postcards is offering a deal. Please feel free to call

of old Post Offices began. After pur- 610-929-1241 or write to Tony Iezzi at:

chas- Iezzi Photography, 3426 Gray Street.

Laureldale PA 19605-1932.

Tony Iezzi would like to thank the

about an NAPUS Postmasters in Pennsylvania and

era when postcards– postals as they in other states for their friendship and to

were known then– required only one encourage them to get involved in their

cent postage. Can you guess who this communities.

person is? It is Tony Iezzi, Postmaster of

Bechtelsville, PA.

I had the privilege to interview Tony

Iezzi and it was clear that he enjoys

sharing these reminiscent images with

his family and friends. He hopes that ing a few old

the pictures will preserve these historical postcards of historical railroads and

sites and revitalize the sending of post- country stores on Ebay, Iezzi had an

cards. Iezzi has over 300 postcards in his idea. He decided to create a print for

collection and counting. In addition, he a postcard that celebrated his fellow

has also acquired a small collection of Postal employees and the

old Post Office cashbooks from the 1900s Bechtelsville PA Post Office. The

that reveal detailed logs on stamp sells postcard was a hit and his Postal col-

and stamp prices. These valuable collec- leagues were excited to finally be on

the map. “The Bechtelsville postcard





Pennsylvania Register 22 November/December 2005

2006 EAS PAY

PACKAGE ANNOUNCED

Pay consultations between the Postal Service and the

National Association of Postmasters of the United States

(NAPUS) and the National League of Postmasters

(League) have concluded, resulting in a 1-year compensa-

tion package that will remain in effect through fiscal year

(FY) 2006. In addition, pay consultations with the

National Association of Postal Supervisors (NAPS) have

concluded covering the same time frame.

Under the current Pay-for-Performance Program

retained for FY 2006, postmasters and supervisors are

measured on their individual contributions using a per-

formance matrix that will make them eligible for pay

increases of up to 12 percent.

Salary ranges will increase 2.25 percent for EAS 11

and above EAS postmasters and supervisors. Additional

information soon will be provided to the field on the

final EAS compensation package.









IEZZI’S INCREDIBLE IMAGES

Can you guess where this was taken?









If this image stimulates your curiosity, write a postcard; better yet, write a letter to:

Iezzi’s Incredible Images

3426 Gray St.

Laureldale PA 19605-1932.

Emails are acceptable too: Iezzipc@localnet.com



The answer will be printed in the next issue of the Register.

Answer to October Issue: Palmyra, Wisconsin Post Office





Pennsylvania Register 23 November/December 2005

Article XII of the Constitution of the National ed that time and place shall not be changed

CONSTITUTION Association as amended at the most recent without at least ninety (90) days notice to

AND BY-LAWS National Convention. Chapter members.



PENNSYLVANIA CHAPTER Each membership fee is to include a calen- Any member of the Pennsylvania Chapter

dar year’s dues to both the National

NAPUS Association and the Chapter and a year’s

in good standing at the time shall be a del-

Adopted at Pittsburgh Convention, June 17, 1970 egate to both Chapter and National

Amended at White Haven Convention, June1971; subscription to both the “Pennsylvania Convention, and shall be entitled to vote.

Lancaster Convention, June 1972; Register” and the “Postmaster Gazette.” Proxy voting shall not be permitted.

Lancaster Convention, June 1973; Any member who has retired from the

Unity House Convention, June 1975;

Pittsburgh Marriott Convention, June 1979;

Postal Service with the title of Postmaster On the first business day of the National

Downingtown Convention, June 1980; shall be eligible for membership as a Convention, the Chapter President shall

Unity House Convention, June 10, 1981; Postmaster Retired. Such Postmasters announce a caucus of the delegates to be

Host Farms, Lancaster, June 1983; Retired shall not have the right to vote or held no later than the second business day

Philadelphia Marriott Convention, June 1985;

hold office except as provided in Article III, of the Convention for the purpose of deter-

Harrisburg Marriott Convention, June 1986;

Seven Springs Convention, June 1987; as amended, but shall be privileged to mining how the votes allowed to the

Sheraton Berkshire, Reading, June 1990; attend all meetings. Chapter will be cast. However, the dele-

Pittsburgh Marriott Convention, June 1992; gates shall be bound on the first ballot by

Pocono Manor Inn Convention, June 26, 1994; Any member who has retired from the

Seven Springs Convention, May 11, 1995; any policy statements passed at the previ-

Willow Valley, Lancaster, June 18, 1996. Postal Service with the title of Officer-in- ous Chapter Convention. The intent is not

Pocono Manor Inn Convention, June 2000. Charge, or any other person designated by to restrict the membership from endorsing

Greensburg Convention, June 2001. the US Postal Service to carry out the a member of this Chapter for a nationally

State College Convention, June 2002. duties of a Postmaster at a Post Office or at

Tamiment, June 2003

elected position at an earlier convention.

Pittsburgh Convention, 2004

other separate postal operations, and an Further Caucuses may be held throughout

Area or District Officer shall be eligible for the Convention if necessary to the determi-

PREAMBLE membership as an Associate Member. nation of proper business.

To render fullest support to the U.S. Postal Such Associate member shall not have the

Service in maintaining a high standard of right to vote or hold office except as pro- ARTICLE V

practical efficiency and economical opera- vided in Article III, but shall be privileged to ELECTED OFFICERS

tion in the interest of public welfare; to pro- attend all meetings. The elected officers of this chapter shall be

mote cooperation and fellowship among a President, sixteen (16) District Vice-

member Postmasters; to coordinate, Upon the death of an active member of this Presidents, a Secretary-Treasurer and an

through close affiliation with the National Association, the surviving spouse shall be Editor.

Association of Postmasters of the United eligible for Associate membership.

States, the aims and purpose of this orga- The Chapter President, Secretary-Treasurer

nization; and to safeguard and advance and the Editor shall be members of this

their legitimate interests, the Postmasters ARTICLE III organization and shall be elected by a

of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania do POSTMASTER RETIRED AND majority vote of the delegates assembled at

hereby form themselves into an ASSOCIATE MEMBERS the annual Chapter Convention. In the

Association. Postmasters Retired and Associate event the election on first ballot does not

Members may organize under this Chapter provide for an election by majority vote, the

CONSTITUTION Constitution and By-Laws, it’s own group, two candidates receiving the most votes

provided it’s rules and regulations conform shall be subject to a revote to determine the

ARTICLE I to and are not in conflict with this majority.

NAME Constitution and By-Laws.

This association shall be known as the The District Vice-President shall be elected

“Pennsylvania Chapter, National Asso- Postmasters Retired and Associate by a majority vote of the delegates from

ciation of Postmasters of the United Members attending the Chapter their respective districts at the caucus of

States.” Convention shall, at their business meeting, the districts at the annual Chapter

select one of their members to represent Convention. The Convention Committee

ARTICLE II them on the Chapter Executive Committee. shall provide a suitable site and the incum-

MEMBERSHIP AND DUES Such representative, as a member of the bent District Vice-President shall have

Any person holding the title “Postmaster” Executive Committee, shall have the right announced at a general session of the

or “Officer-in-Charge” and while serving in to speak and vote on all matters brought Convention and published in the

that capacity in the Commonwealth of before said committee. Convention Bulletin, the time and place for

Pennsylvania shall be eligible for active such caucus, and he/she shall preside over

membership in this Chapter. Such mem- the caucus and the election. In the event

bers shall have the right to vote and hold the election on first ballot does not provide

office, and shall have the right to visit the ARTICLE IV

for an election by majority vote, the two

National Office, and shall be entitled to any CONVENTIONS candidates receiving the most votes shall

and all services offered by the Association. This Chapter shall hold an annual

be subject to a revote to determine the

They shall be entitled to the privilege of the Convention at the time and at the place

majority.

floor at any annual meeting when the dues designated by a preceding Chapter

are currently paid in full. Convention. Except, that the Executive

Committee, by a two-thirds vote may, for A Member of the Association in good

The minimum annual dues and the rules good and sufficient reasons, change the standing as an active member for the

regulating them shall be those set forth in time and place of said convention, provid-





Pennsylvania Register 24 November/December 2005

immediate three (3) years preceding budget, as adopted by the executive com- President. He/she shall keep the minutes of

his/her announced candidacy is eligible to mittee. the meetings of said Chapter and Executive

be elected as President, Secretary- Committee, and such other records as may

Treasurer, or Editor. ARTICLE VII be committed to his/her care, in a neat and

DISTRICT orderly fashion. He/she shall use a tape

The Chapter President and Chapter VICE-PRESIDENTS recorder as the source of the minutes. The

Secretary-Treasurer shall be elected for a The Chapter shall be comprised of six- recorded tapes shall become a permanent

term of one (1) year and may not be elect- teen (16) Districts aligned by the follow- part of the minutes. A reproduced copy of

ed for, nor shall they serve more than two ing zip codes: the transcribed minutes must be kept with

(2) consecutive terms. the recorded tapes of all meetings.

District . . . . . . . . . Zip Codes The Secretary-Treasurer shall not incur any

The Editor shall be elected for a term of one I ...... . . . . . . . . 150, 151-152, 153 indebtedness nor shall he/she enter into

(1) year and may succeed themselves. II . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154, 156 any agreements or contracts in the name of

III. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155, 157, 159 the Chapter unless first authorized to do so

The District Vice-Presidents shall be elect- IV . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160, 161, 162 by the President or the Executive

ed for a term of one (1) year and may not be V. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163, 164, 165 Committee.

elected for, nor shall they serve, more than VI . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166, 168

three (3) consecutive terms. VII . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158, 167 The Secretary-Treasurer shall collect all

VII . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169, 177 dues and issue all memberships. He/she

All elected officers shall assume office the IX . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170-171, 172, 178 shall have custody of all Chapter funds

first day of January following the closing X. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173-174, 175-176 and be responsible for keeping accurate

day of the Convention that elected them. XI . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179, 195-196 records of all receipts and expenditures

XII . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182, 186-187 of Chapter funds as directed by the

Travel expenses from home to the Chapter XIII. . . . . . . . . . . . . 184-185, 188 President. He/she shall deposit all funds

and National Conventions and return and XIV . . . . . . . . . . . . 180-181, 183 of the Chapter, immediately upon their

hotel reservations and meals for the actual XV . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189, 193, 194 receipt, in a bank approved by the

number of days in attendance at such XVI . . . . . . . . . . . . 190-191 Executive Committee. All disbursements

Conventions shall be paid from Chapter of funds of the Chapter shall be made by

funds for the Incumbent President, Each District shall elect a Vice-President check. All checks must be signed by the

Secretary-Treasurer, Editor and their spous- who shall be responsible for stimulating President and the Secretary-Treasurer

es and no other persons. At other times interest in and conducting activities in upon presentation of an approved vouch-

during the year, the aforementioned offi- his/her District. He/she shall represent er by the President, or in his/her absence,

cers, when attending other functions or his/her District to the appropriate Postal the Editor will act in a fiduciary capacity

performing other official duties, shall be Service Officials in his/her District; shall for the President if he/she is unable to

paid lodging and travel expenses in accor- represent his/her District on the Executive sign.

dance with current standard Postal Service Committee and be responsible for mem-

reimbursement rates. bership recruitment and retention. The Secretary-Treasurer shall execute a

surety bond for the safe conduct of his/her

The Area Vice President will appoint Area duties in such sum as the Executive

Directors. The District Vice-President shall Committee may require. The bond premium

ARTICLE VI notify the Chapter President by January 1 shall be paid for with Chapter funds.

CHAPTER PRESIDENT the name of the Area Director(s) appointed The Secretary-Treasurer shall submit a

The President shall be the Executive Officer to represent a zip code area(s) in his/her financial statement of the condition of the

of this Chapter and all other officers are District, and he/she shall also notify the Chapter treasury to the President and a

subordinate to him/her. Chapter President by January 1 the list of financial report to the membership as of

post offices by zip code represented by an December 31 of each year.

In directing the affairs of the Chapter he/she appointed Area Director. If there are any

is fully empowered to authorize all neces- changes at a later date, the President must The Secretary-Treasurer shall be allowed

sary legitimate expenditures from Chapter be notified immediately. expenses and compensation determined

funds; to contract debts; to make con- by the Executive Committee, within the

tracts; and in general, perform such other Should the office of District Vice-President budget, as adopted by the Executive

duties as customarily attend his/her office. become vacant for any cause, the Area Committee.

He/she shall preside at all meetings of the Directors in the District shall nominate and

Association and appoint all committees select, subject to the Chapter President’s Should the office of Secretary-Treasurer

except Executive. He/she shall require that approval, a member of the District to com- become vacant for any cause whatsoever,

the Constitution and By-Laws be faithfully plete the unexpired term. the President shall fill the vacancy by

observed and he/she shall be guided by the appointment with a majority vote of the

budget approved at the Exeuctive ARTICLE VIII Executive Committee concurring. In the

Committee Meeting immediately following SECRETARY-TREASURER event the election on first ballot does not

him/her taking office. He/she shall make a The Secretary-Treasurer shall combine the provide for an election by majority vote, the

report at the Chapter Convention concern- office of Secretary and the office of two candidates receiving the most votes

ing the activities of his/her office for the Treasurer and shall perform all the duties shall be subject to a revote to determine the

preceding year. commonly associated with both offices. It majority.

shall be his/her duty to attend all meetings

The chapter President shall be allowed of the Chapter and of the Executive The chapter Secretary-Treasurer shall act in

compensation and expenses determined Committee and such other meetings as the absence of the President. He/She

by the executive committee, within the he/she may be directed to attend by the





Pennsylvania Register 25 November/December 2005

shall represent the President whenever so The Chapter Editor shall be allowed com- issues and concerns. The Committee will

asked and shall perform such other execu- pensation and expenses determined by the organize and promote the legislative efforts

tive duties as may be requested by the Executive Committee, within the budget, as of the Chapter, and work closely with the

President. adopted by the Executive Committee. PAC Committee.



If the office of the President shall become It shall be the Editor’s duty to attend all The PAC Chair shall be responsible for col-

vacant from any cause, the Secretary- meetings of the Chapter and of the lecting the needed funds for political action.

Treasurer shall call a meeting of the District Executive Committee and such other meet-

Vice Presidents who shall select one of their ings as he/she may be directed to attend by The duties of the Emergency Relief Chair

number to fill the unexpired term. the President. will be to receive all claims for emergency

relief from the Area Directors and decide

the proper amount to be given within the

ARTICLE IX ARTICLE XI fiscal budget.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE APPOINTED POSITIONS

The Executive Committee shall consist of The President shall make the following The duties of the Convention Chairper-

the President, the Secretary-Treasurer, who appointments; Chapter Historian, Asso- son, with the approval of the President,

shall serve as Secretary thereof, the sixteen ciate Editor, Chapter Chaplain; Chapter shall be to appoint and chair a Convention

(16) District Vice-Presidents, the immediate Photographer, PM Representative(s), Ser- Committee of active Postmasters to run the

Chapter Past President, the Editor and the vice Representative, Parliamentarian, and Chapter Convention.

Postmaster Retired/ Associate Member the following Committee Chairpersons;

representative. The President shall be the Membership, Legislative, PAC, Emergency The Budget and Finance Committee shall

chairperson of the committee that shall Relief, Convention, Budget and Finance, accept suggestions and study all financial

have full authority over the affairs of the and Audit. aspects of the Association to assist the

Chapter between Chapter Conventions, President and Executive Committee in the

subject to the limitations of the Constitution It shall be the duty of the Chapter organizational operations. The Committee

and By-Laws and shall make rules within Historian to collect and assemble all shall prepare a workable budget for the

this framework for the proper conduct of records, photographs, publications, resolu- coming year that shall not exceed antici-

the Chapter. tions and other papers not of a personal pated receipts for that year. The Committee

nature and maintain an Archive. Such shall report it’s recommendations to the

The Executive Committee shall meet at least records shall be stored in the custody of the Executive Committee at the Executive

once each year and more frequently if con- Secretary-Treasurer. Committee Meeting, and this report shall

ditions require. The President shall call a be published in the Pennsylvania Register.

meeting of the Executive Committee not The Associate Editor is nominated by the

later than 90 days after taking office. He/she Editor with the approval of the President. This Committee shall give a report at the

shall select the time and place of the Annual He/she shall perform such duties as direct- Chapter Convention of the budget that was

Committee Meeting. The President will pay ed by the Editor. approved for the present year. It is recom-

with Chapter funds provided in the budget mended that members of this Committee

for travel, lodging and meals for Executive It shall be the duty of the Chapter Chaplain have a background in accounting proce-

Committee Members to attend Executive to open the Chapter Convention, the dures.

Committee Meetings scheduled during Executive Committee Meeting, conduct

his/her term of office. Mileage will be paid at memorial services and such other meetings The Audit Committee shall be comprised

the current USPS rate, but no less than 10 as the President may direct. of three (3) District Vice-Presidents in

cents per mile. accordance with the Fiscal Policy proce-

The Chapter Photographer or his dure as approved by the Pennsylvania

He/she shall make the reimbursement poli- designee will be responsible to photograph Chapter, NAPUS Executive Committee. The

cy known in his/her announcement of the any assignment designated by the Committee shall examine and audit all

meeting. Should any District Vice-President President. financial records and fiscal reports. An

be unable to attend the Annual Executive annual audit of all Chapter funds and

Committee Meeting, he/she shall designate The PM Representative shall represent accounts shall be made after the end of the

a member from his/her District to attend as Postmasters against adverse action. year, December 31, and prior to the Annual

his/her Proxy. Executive Committee Meeting. A certified

The Service Representative will advise all copy of the audit shall be furnished to the

ARTICLE X Postmasters of the different services that President. The Committee shall report it’s

EDITOR are available through NAPUS. findings to the Executive Committee and

The Editor shall publish the Pennsylvania the report shall be published in the

Register 10 times annually. The July/ The Paliamentarian will oversee the prop- Pennsylvania Register. This Committee

er adherence to the Constitution and By- shall also give a report at the Chapter

August and November/December issues

Laws and will follow Robert’s Rules of Convention, giving their findings of the pre-

shall be combined.

Order Newly Revised at the Executive vious year’s audit.

The editorial policies of the Pennsylvania Committee Meeting and Convention.

Register shall be controlled by the Additional Committees may be appointed

President, the Editor and the Associate The Membership Chairperson will inform by the President as he/she deems neces-

Editor. The Editor shall publish as much the members of the current membership. sary or as instructed by the Chapter

news of interest to the membership as pos- The Committee will work closely with the Convention.

sible, and the Chapter Members shall be Secretary-Treasurer.

expected to make news available to the

Editor. The Legislative Chairperson will inform

the members of the current legislative





Pennsylvania Register 26 November/December 2005

The Mentoring, Training, & Development Constitution and By-Laws Committee or ARTICLE III

Chair will oversee a committee and ensure the Secretary-Treasurer at least thirty (30) COMMITTEES AND DUTIES

that proper training is conducted at con- days prior to the first day of the Annual The President shall appoint the following

vention and two non-convention areas. Convention. Committees to act during the Convention.

In the event members appointed are not in

AREA DIRECTORS: Each District Vice All proposed amendments from the attendance, the President shall designate

President shall be entitled to appoint an Chapter Executive Committee shall be sub- members to form a full Committee.

Area Director annually for a term of one (1) mitted in writing prior to the final meeting of

year. The following zip codes will be con- the Constitution and By-Laws Committee CREDENTIALS: This Committee shall

sidered as a combined area: 151/152, 164, at the Annual Convention. ascertain that all persons voting are fully

165, 166, 170/171, 173/174, 175/176, accredited members in good standing. The

180/181, 184/185, 186/187, 190/191 and All amendments to be considered shall be Committee shall then supervise and con-

195/196. The following zip code areas will reported by the Constitution and By-Laws duct the elections.

have two (2) Area Directors: 150, 153, 154, Committee to the Convention prior to the

155, 156, 157, 178, 180, 183, 184 and 188. final meeting and the amendments shall be STANDING RULES: This Committee shall

The 170 zip code area will have three (3) acted upon by the membership during the announce rules of the Convention.

Area Directors. The boundaries of those final meeting before adjournment.

areas having more than one (1) Area POLICY: This Committee shall accept res-

Director are the responsibility of the District All adopted amendments to the Constitut- olutions. The Committee shall meet during

Vice-President and the Area Directors of ion shall be published in the Pennsylvania the Convention to study and consolidate

that District. In a zip code area with more Register. like policies and report it’s recommenda-

than one Area Director the Area Director’s tions to the Convention for final action.

post office shall be in the zip code area This Constitution and any amendments

thereto shall become effective the first day CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS: This

he/she represents.

of the month following the close of the Committee shall function under the rules

Chapter Convention that adopted them. provided in ARTICLE XIII (Amendments) of

The duties of the Area Director will be to

Unless otherwise specified in the amend- the Constitution and By-Laws.

promote membership in the Pennsylvania

Chapter, NAPUS. The Area Director will ment.

TIME AND PLACE: This Committee shall

contact each new Postmaster and OIC and

be comprised of five/six (5/6) members,

explain the advantages of membership in

who are the five/six (5/6) District Vice-

this Chapter of NAPUS, offer to help in any

BY-LAWS Presidents from the three (3) areas of

way possible and endeavor to sign up this

Pennsylvania. The Western Area is com-

person as a member. Disseminate all com- ARTICLE I prised of Districts 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5; the

munications to offices in his/her Area in a QUORUM Central Area is comprised of Districts 6, 7,

timely manner. When disaster hits any After due notice to the membership, Fifty 8, 9 and 10; and the Eastern Area is com-

Member in a Director’s area, it is the (50) members in good standing shall con- prised of Districts 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16.

responsibility of the Area Director to notify stitute a quorum for the transaction of busi- The five/six (5/6) District Vice-Presidents

the family that a relief fund is available ness at a Chapter Convention. Any lesser from each area will serve on the Committee

through the Pennsylvania Chapter, NAPUS, number may adjourn a meeting to a later for one (1) year on a rotating basis. A regu-

and at the same time inform the Chapter specified date. lar rotation by area will be in effect so that

President of the disaster. Secure the retire-

proper plans for a Convention may be

ment certificates and honor Member

made in advance. Site visitations will be

Retirees in his/her Area. The Area Director ARTICLE II limited to members of the Time and Place

shall forward all information of a deceased ORDER OF BUSINESS Committee only. The term of new commit-

Member to the Chapter Chaplain and the The order of business at the Chapter tee members will begin each year immedi-

Editor as soon as possible after death Convention shall be as follows: ately following the Pennsylvania Chapter,

occurs. 1. Call to Order NAPUS convention.

2. Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance

ARTICLE XII 3. Roll Call of Officers The President shall meet with this

SCHOLARSHIP 4. Reading of Minutes Committee as soon as possible after the

The Edward J. Clark Jr. Scholarship Fund 5. Reading of Communications, Notices, close of the Convention, but not later than

has been established as an independent etc. the Executive Committee Meeting, and the

non-profit corporation under IRS code 6. Appointment of Committees President shall select a Chairperson for the

501 - (c) 3. 7. Special Orders, Unfinished Business, ensuing year. This Committee may also

New Business, Report of Officers, assist the President in arranging such other

Reports of the following Committees: functions as he/she may direct. The Time

ARTICLE XIII Registration, Standing Rules, Creden- and Place Committee will make a full and

AMENDMENTS tials, Policy, Constitution and By-Laws, detailed report of all sites visited and pack-

Amendments may be made to this Budget and Finance, Audit, and Time ages offered. Packages offered to include

Constitution at any Chapter Convention by and Place of the next Chapter American and European Plans that will be

a favorable vote of two-thirds of those Conventions, Nomination of Officers in voted upon by the membership. This will be

Members present and voting. the order set forth in the Standing Rules. done by printing the complete report and

8. Election and Installation of Officers providing a copy to each member of PA

All proposed amendments to the 9. Adjournment CHAPTER, NAPUS attending the Chapter

Constitution from individual members or Convention. The Time and Place Commit-

Chapter sub-organizations shall be submit- tee shall report it’s recommendation to the

ted in writing to the Chairperson of the Convention.



Pennsylvania Register 27 November/December 2005

NOMINATION OF OFFICERS: This

Committee shall be comprised of one (1)

member appointed from each District and

a Chairperson who shall have the right to

Our Sympathies

vote. Should an appointed member of the

Committee be unable to be present at the William J. Gardner

Convention, the President shall appoint an William J. Gardner, 69, of Howard, died Thursday, Oct. 6, 2005 at Mount

Alternate, said Alternate to be a member in Nittany Medical Center. Born Jan. 15, 1936 in Howard, he was the son of the late

good standing from the same District as

Donald and Pearl Pletcher Gardner. He was married to Gloria J. Eaton in 1956.

the absentee. The Chairperson of this

Committee shall announce the time and She survives at home. Bill was a 1953 graduate of Howard High School. He

place of it’s meeting to allow candidates or retired as a Postmaster from the Howard Post Office, after 34 years of service.

their representatives to appear before the He was a member of the Main Street United Methodist Church, Howard.

Committee. This Committee shall report it’s Surviving are a daughter, Penny J. (Maria Marino) of Smithfield N.J., two sons,

recommendations to the Convention. Michael J. (Donna J.) of Latrobe and Eric S. (Marsha) of The Woodlands TX, a

sister, Barbara Isenberg of Millersburg, two brothers, Robert P. of State College,

MENTORING, TRAINING, & DEVELOP- and Lee “Tuff” of Howard, and three grandchildren, Ashley N., Amy C. and

MENT: This committee shall be responsible William S. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Donald B. Jr. and

for conducting Annual training seminars at Frederick R. “Ted,” and three sisters, Sylvia Redline, Dorothy Justice, and Vivian

the Annual Chapter Convention and the

Preston.

other two areas as defined in Article XI of

the Constitution. The Committee’s budget

Memorial contributions may be made to the Howard United Methodist

shall be determined by the Executive Church, Main and Grove Streets, Howard PA 16841 or Howard Fire Co. EMS,

Committee. P.O. Box 276, Howard PA 16841.



Additional Committees may be appointed Guy D’Eletto

by the President as he/she deems neces- Guy D'Eletto, 93, of New Castle passed away at his daughter's home Sept, 21,

sary or as instructed by the Convention.

2005. Guy served in the Navy during WWII as a Marine Corps Medical

Corpsman. He retired from the United States Postal Service after 28 years. Guy

ARTICLE IV was Postmaster of the Pulaski Post Office. Those of us who were lucky enough to

INTERPRETATION know Guy will miss his never-ending array of jokes and stories. He was a master

Any question of interpretation of this story teller!

Constitution and By-Laws shall be decided

by the deliberations of this Association,

except that where any provisions of this Robert H. Jenkins

Constitution and By-Laws are inconsistent We are sad to report the death of retired Postmaster of Wapwallopen, Robert H.

or conflict with Robert’s Rules of Order Jenkins at the age of 83. He served as Postmaster for 32 years. He was a resident

Newly Revised, then this Constitution and of Slocum Township and passed away at Guardian Eldercare Nursing and

By-Laws shall prevail. Rehabilitation Center in Newport Township. Robert is survived by his wife Jenny,

his daughter Debbie, and his son David.

ARTICLE V

AMENDMENTS

Amendments may be made to these By- Alice Jones

Laws at any Chapter Convention by a George Jones, Retired Pennsylvania Postmaster, lost his wife Alice on

favorable vote of two-thirds of those mem- September 2 after a lengthy illness. Condolences can be sent to George T. Jones,

bers present and voting. A copy of these 441 W. Buttonbrush Drive, Beverly Hills FL 34465.

By-Laws shall be published in the

Pennsylvania Register.









In Our Thoughts

George Wyant, retired Postmaster of Washington PA, underwent surgery

October 17. It was for a cancerous mass in the colon. We would like your prayers

and will keep you posted as to his condition. Send mail to: George Wyant,

6410 Stoxmeade Dr., Charlotte NC 28215 or call us at (704) 573-2748.



Sue and Ken Cromwell were badly hurt in a car accident. Sue has 8

broken ribs and both of them are going to need knee surgery. They are home

now, but have in-home care. Any cards can be sent to their home –13 Hickory

Lane, Chester Springs PA 19425. Sue would love to hear from you.







Pennsylvania Register 28 November/December 2005

Just In Time For Christmas!

Order your own PA NAPUS Backpack

or Garment Bag, the same ones we had

at the convention. Both are high quality

and constructed of durable nylon.

Backpack is very spacious, fits perfectly

in overhead compartments, and has a

handle and wheels for pulling around

the airport.

Backpacks are just $25.95 and the

Garment Bags are only $14.95, shipping

included. Make your check payable to

“PA NAPUS” and send to either:





Esta Colledge Gary Witmer

150 Dogwood Lane 156 Clemens Lane

New Enterprise PA 16664 or Bellefonte PA 16823







KEEPING AN EYE ON THE COMPETITION…

DHL BREAKS GROUND ON ALLENTOWN PLANT

ALLENTOWN, Pa (AP) – Package delivery service DHL broke ground

on a $107 million distribution center that will serve eight East Coast

states and Washington, D.C.

The 290,000-square-foot facility, scheduled to open by September

2006, will be able to handle 40,000 letters and 50,000 parcels per hour,

the company said. It will employ about 340.

The facility will be DHL's primary distribution center on the East

Coast, serving customers in Connecticut, New Jersey, Delaware,

Maryland, Washington, eastern Pennsylvania and New York and parts of

West Virginia and Massachusetts.







FEDEX GROUND EXPANDS NETWORK

Transport Intelligence reports that FedEx Ground has opened a 325,000-

square-foot distribution facility in Hagerstown, MD — one of nine hubs set

to open as part of a network expansion and realignment that will boost the

company’s daily pickup capacity by nearly 70 percent over the next five

years.

The article said the $70-million hub is capable of processing up to

22,500 packages per hour and is equipped with advanced sortation tech-

nology, including high-speed conveyors and camera-based scan tunnels to

improve package sorting rates.









Pennsylvania Register 29 November/December 2005

Larry McClain, Jr., Chaplain

Ability

Very early, thou art exalted as head above all.” (12) conscience cannot justify.” “If we lose

most every “Both riches and honour come of thee, and inward peace, we lose more than a fortune

morning, thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is can buy. If we keep in the Lord’s own way,

rain or shine, power and might; and in thine hand it is to and never sin against our conscience, our

my dog, make great, and to give strength unto all.” way is sure against all comers. Who is he

Gunther, and There are two realms that we have abili- that can harm us if we be followers of that

I walk two ties in. One is the physical (natural) realm which is good? We may be thought fools by

and a half where we can acquire worldly abilities. fools if we are firm in our integrity; but in

miles before These are the abilities that we acquire the place where judgment is infallible we

I go to work. One morning as we were walk- through education, training, and experience. shall be approved.”

ing through the woods, I saw a red-tailed The other realm (supernatural) is where we With God’s help, we can make being

hawk lift himself from a tree limb above me can acquire spiritual abilities. As believers, dependable, responsible, accountable and

and soar upward and onward with a shrill the Bible plainly tells us what the fruit (abil- durable (all practical abilities that can be ini-

call. I thought about the ability that God had ities) of the Spirit are: Galatians 5:22-23, tiated by divine inspiration) part of our

given him to make this act look so effortless. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, integrity, makeup, and character. Do you

The dictionary defines ability as, “the physi- peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, desire to have these abilities; or, do you say,

cal, mental, or legal power to perform; a faith, meekness, temperance: against such “How do I do right when I am not very good

skill; having a natural talent or acquired pro- there is no law.” at doing right?”

ficiency.” We all have abilities, or power to If someone is not a believer, they lack the * Making the effort is better than making

perform. Some are acquired abilities; some capability of the fruit of the Spirit. Without excuses;

abilities come from riches or wealth; some the Holy Spirit, they are unable to manifest * Attack that which you should be doing,

are God-given abilities and depend upon these qualities to others and even to them- and don’t do that which you always do;

your will. What does “depend upon your selves. The fruit of the Spirit are the very * Force yourself to do it for 30 days without

will” mean? There are only two wills for a qualities that when combined with good exception;

believer– God’s will or your will. It is hard to abilities acquired through education, train- * Choose realistic goals;

find God’s will when you have made up ing, and experience makes us excel in our * Do it even if it appears meaningless;

your own will. A believer humbles himself life experience. II Peter 1:2-3, “Grace and * Choose a good environment;

and seeks God’s will for his life. When we peace be multiplied unto you through the * Choose a good program;

seek God’s will for our life, we must trust knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, * Schedule more than one time/day to do

solely in Him. It is at that point that the (3) According as his divine power hath the things you have not been doing;

abilities He has given to us will be manifest- given unto us all things that pertain unto * Make yourself accountable to someone

ed in our actions. For any God-given task life and godliness, through the knowledge that is a good leader;

that we are to accomplish, God gives us ALL of him that hath called us to glory and * Keep track of your progress and improve;

the abilities we need to succeed. My virtue...” From these divine abilities as men- * Make a list of the areas you want to work

Christian strength is in proportion to my tioned in Galatians 5:22-23, we must turn on and work on one at a time for a month;

obedience to God’s will. them into practical capabilities. Proverbs When other people measure our personal

When it was time for Moses to lead God’s 20:7 says, “The just man walketh in his and work standards, what do they say about

children out of Egypt, he became uncertain integrity: his children are blessed after us? Do they see someone that strives to

of his ability to do so and questioned God him.” Proverbs 10:9 says, “He that walketh enlarge their abilities–who will step forward

about it. Exodus 4:10, “And Moses said unto uprightly walketh surely: but he that per- in faith looking for greater responsibilities

the LORD, O my Lord, I am not eloquent, verteth his ways shall be known.” and strives to maintain their integrity each

neither heretofore, nor since thou has spo- A great preacher, Charles H. Spurgeon step of the way? Good abilities that are never

ken unto thy servant: but I am slow of said, “A Christian’s walk may be slow, but it tested, used, or tried are useless to us. We

speech, and of a slow tongue.” (11) And the is sure. He that hasteth to be rich shall not need to exhibit them in our daily lives.

LORD said unto him, who hath made man’s be innocent or sure; but steady perseverance These divine abilities are only practical pos-

mouth? Or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, in integrity, if it does not bring riches, will sibilities until we adopt them for our own. It

or the seeing, or the blind? Have not I the certainly bring peace. In doing that which is is God’s will that we grow and exercise all

LORD? (12) Now therefore go, and I will be just and right we are like one walking upon our abilities in accordance with His stan-

with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou a rock, for we have confidence that every dards. The power of being a very capable

shalt say.” We all know the rest of the story step we take is upon solid and safe ground.” Christian is to bring a better spirit to every

how God showed his supremacy and sover- “On the other hand, the utmost success circumstance in life.

eignty through the many miracles He per- through questionable transactions must Let’s get a vision of what a fully capable

formed during the Exodus from Egypt. God always be hollow and treacherous, and the Christian is able to do in this life! Just like

simply says, “Go”...We are to respond to His man who has gained it must always be that red-tailed hawk, I think we can soar

will… and He gives the ability. The absolute afraid that a day of reckoning will come, and upward and onward with such God-given

supremacy of God to have capability to give then his gains will condemn him.” “Let us ability that it will feel and look effortless.

us abilities is clearly affirmed in the follow- stick to truth and righteousness. By God’s REMEMBER, GOD IS GOOD TO US ALL

ing verses: I Chronicles 29:11-12, “Thine, O grace let us imitate our Lord and Master, in THE TIME!

LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and whose mouth no deceit was ever found. Let Larry McClain Jr., Postmaster Gibsonia PA,

the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: us not be afraid of being poor, nor of being 4098 Gibsonia Rd., Gibsonia PA 15044-9998

for all that is in the heaven and in the earth treated with contempt. Never, on any Cell (412) 996-9395 or

is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and account whatever, let us do that which our E-Mail mcclain@zbzoom.net





Pennsylvania Register 30 November/December 2005

National President-Elect, State Retiree Editor

Postmasters Retired SALLY ROBINSON

STAN OSTWINCH We are fast approaching

the Holiday season and the

Words cannot express my thank Retiree Officers from

you for the outstanding support Pennsylvania WOULD

that I received from Pennsylvania LIKE TO EXTEND THEIR

Postmasters and Retirees. Your BEST WISHES to all

support of my candidacy for Postmasters and Retirees

National President of NAPUS in Pennsylvania.

Retired was outstanding. As we approach the New

Anytime I asked for help, Year, may we keep the peo-

whether it was in the DC or Long ple in the south who have

Beach Hospitality Room, you guys lost so much ever in our

were there. When it came to rais-

thoughts and prayers.

ing funds, you were there too.

There are many who have

Thank you.

lost everything and have had to relocate. We wish them

For this, I will forever be thankful.

only the best as they try to reshape their lives in a new

I wish to thank Sally Robinson who made my nomination

environment.

speech at the Convention and seconded by Jim Miller. Thanks

Retirees: We need to be ever vigilant in the legisla-

to Ed Baer, my campaign treasurer and a special big thank you

to the countless Postmasters and Retirees who gave up their tive process in the coming months. There could be

time to host the hospitality rooms in addition to selling and moves to creep into our benefits as well as the benefits

purchasing fund raising tickets. I cannot begin to mention all of new retirees. Stay in touch with your representa-

their names. There are too many, however, we all know who tives, give generously to PAC, and attend town hall

you are and again, I say thank you. meetings. Our future depends on it.

Congratulations is extended to NAPUS National President Welcome aboard, Hugh Hager, National Editor of the

Dale Goff, National Editor of the Postmaster’s Gazette Hugh Postmaster’s Gazette – this indeed will be a first – two

Hager, Area 4 National Vice President Siggy Pehel, 2005 Editor National Editors from Pennsylvania. Keep those articles

of the Year Steve Kochersperger, and Retiree National Editor and news items coming. I know Hugh and I will work

Sally Robinson, well together.

I am looking forward to the next two years working with the

Committee people that I have selected to help better our organi-

zation. I know that they will represent our great retirees.

If every state had the camaraderie of Pennsylvania

Postmasters and Retirees – wow! – we would have an even PENNSYLVANIA CHAPTER of

greater organization. Postmasters Retired 2005 Officers

PRESIDENT: Phil Gerlach – 1390 Storms Store Rd,

When Benny Met Sally New Oxford, PA 17350

717-624-9285 bpexpress05@earthlink.net

VICE PRESIDENT/ Woody Saylor

LEGISLATION: 3755 Murphy Rd., Walnutport, PA 18088-9402

scsaylor@aol.com 610-767-2638

SECRETARY: Verla Hill–11828 Timber Ridge Rd.

Needmore, PA 17238-8918

717-573-2370

TREASURER/ Fran Ehret

P.A.C: 826 Detweiler Ave., Hellertown, PA 18055-1803

610-838-6482 fehret@rcn.com

IMMEDIATE Stan Ostwinch

PAST PRESIDENT: 107 Johnson Dr., Butler, PA 16001-1628

724-283-0669 ostwinch@pa.net

MEMBERSHIP: Edward Baer–PO Box 201, Sabinsville, PA 169438

814-628-2019 ejnej@penn.com

POST OFFICE F. William Dell

We all knew that Bill Dell and Sally Robinson have been CLOSINGS & 1606 Melrose Ave., Havertown, PA 19083

around the Postal Service a long time, but from this picture CONSOLIDATIONS: 610-449-3186 cop81pop@aol.com

of them with Ben Franklin, they seem to have been around

a lot longer than we imagined.



Pennsylvania Register 31 November/December 2005

UPCOMING EVENTS – MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Pennsylvania NAPUS Executive Board, Grantville, PA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . January 14-15, 2006

Pennsylvania NAPUS State Convention, Lehigh Valley, PA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . June 11-15, 2006

2006 Leadership Conference, Arlington, VA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . March 18-23, 2006

2006 National Postmaster Convention, Fort Worth, TX . . . . . . . . . . . . August 26-Sept. 1, 2006

2007 Leadership Conference, Arlington, VA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . March 17-22, 2007

2007 National Postmaster Convention, Albuquerque, NM . . . . . . . . . . . September 8-14, 2007

2008 National Postmaster Convention, St. Louis, MO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . August 23-29, 2008





Postal Funnies by Keithette Quarrick









Solution to puzzle is on page 23.



November/December 2005 – Pennsylvania Register 32

PENNSYLVANIA CHAPTER NAPUS Non-Profit

P O. Box 5

. Organization

U.S. Postage

Julian, PA 16844-0005

PAID

Jonestown, PA

Permit # 56